Stephen T. Bajda, age 77, of Shelton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care on Long Island, following a brave journey with Parkinson’s disease. Born in England to the late Wojciech and Anna Bajda, Stephen spent the better part of his youth in Bridgeport after his parents immigrated from their native Poland following World War II. He attended St. Michael’s Grammar School, graduated from Kolbe High School, and earned an AICPA Scholarship, attaining a Master’s degree from Sacred Heart University. A man of boundless warmth and unwavering dedication, Stephen poured his whole heart into raising his daughters, effortlessly balancing his parental role with deep patience, kindness, and a nonjudgmental grace. His steady presence, gentle nature, and sound advice made him a trusted anchor and lifelong confidant. Read more about Stephen’s life…
Professionally, Stephen’s family history was deeply rooted in industrial manufacturing and he was mentored by his father-in-law, Victor Wall, founder of Connecticut Pen and Pencil Company. His career began at Coopers Lybrand as a public accountant, and included leadership roles as Vice President of Finance at Acme United in Fairfield, Connecticut—where he had the distinct honor of ringing the bell at the American Stock Exchange—and later as Controller at Calzone Case Company in Bridgeport CT. Deeply committed to his community, he served as a selectman for the town of Stratford, where in the 1980s he championed the preservation of the Town Hall Christmas lights, a tradition that continues to brighten the community today. Beyond his career and civic service, Stephen embraced life with vibrant charm and spirit.
He carried a classic James Dean smile, danced with the effortless rhythm of Fred Astaire, and loved the challenge of a fierce game of checkers or Scrabble. An avid traveler who cherished sharing a good meal and a great laugh, he was a passionate fan of UConn Huskies basketball and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the team. Stephen was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Catherine (William) Ferguson and Christine (Jeffery) Borden; his precious granddaughter; his siblings, John (Katherine) Bajda and Anna (Kirk) Kaczmarczyk; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Bajda.
