In the 1930’s Nicholas L. and Josephine Hylwa, Sr. (children of European Immigrants), founded the Hylwa Funeral Home on 22 Lester Street, Ansonia. Their business flourished as they served the needs of many Eastern European, Slavic and Russian Orthodox families with integrity, compassion and respect. Following his graduation from the University of Miami and service in US Army, their son, Nicholas Hylwa, Jr. joined the family business. In 1980, Nicholas Hylwa, Jr., moved the family business to its current location at 167 Wakelee Avenue and re-licensed the funeral home as the “Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home.” Generations will forever call the funeral home “Hylwa’s”, but it still bears the name “Wakelee Memorial” today. Mr. Hylwa experienced unprecedented growth in the following years and continued to operate the business until his death in 2000. Determined to keep her husband’s legacy alive and serve the needs of many client families, Mrs. Virginia K. Hylwa continued to own and operate the funeral home for the next six years, searching for the right individual to carry forward this legacy. In September of 2006, the search was over. Mrs. Hylwa sold the business to John Stanley Zaleski, yet continues to work at funeral home in the capacity of Administrator. Mr. Zaleski is a lifelong Shelton resident of Polish heritage.

1933 Chieftain Funeral Coach

Josephine Adzima Hylwa, CT Licensed Funeral Director #5182, holds a
young Nicholas Hylwa, Jr. on the front porch stairs of the Hylwa Funeral Home,
22 Lester St., Ansonia, circa 1937.

Ansonia- The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home of Ansonia, dedicated its newly renovated facility at 167 Wakelee Avenue, on Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ansonia Mayor James Dellavolpe was on hand to lend congratulations and cut the ceremonial ribbons on the new front and rear entry ways. The funeral home chapel underwent a complete renovation in March of 2008. Virginia Hylwa, Administrator, former owner and wife of the late Nicholas Hylwa, Milly Zaleski, Administrator, and John S. Zaleski, CFSP, Licensed Funeral Director watch the Mayor do the honors.

Nearly two years in the planning, the antique colonial home has been restored to the correct period architecture from when it was first constructed close to 100 years ago. The newly added rear entry way boasts a covered car port, bluestone porch and handicap accessible ramp. In addition to being under cover, the ramp has electric heating units imbedded in the concrete to prevent rain and snow from freezing. A Stanley Magic Door opener was installed to assist those with special needs.

Future renovations in the Spring of 2009 will include expanding and resurfacing the parking lot, providing parking for over 50 cars as well as a two car garage addition.