John A. Pokrzyk

JOHN A. POKRZYK

Of Sanborn, NY, passed away on  Saturday, February 4, 2023, in Northgate Health Care Facility.  He was  born in Niagara Falls, NY,  on January 28, 1927, a son of the late Anthony and Stella [Odrzykwolski] Pokrzyk.

Mr. Pokrzyk graduated from Niagara Falls High School and the University of Buffalo.

He served as a Private First Class with the US Army during World War II having fought in the Philippines and then as part of the occupation force in Japan.

Mr. Pokrzyk was a chemist who started his career with Alox Chemical and then with Union Carbide for many years before retiring in 1986. After retiring, he was a substitute teacher at various area schools. He worked at Value Home Center in Niagara Falls. He also worked for the New York State Parks for several years on Goat Island where he was able to humorously chat with Nik Wallenda as he prepared for his tightrope walk over the falls.

He was an active member of the Sanborn Fire Company, serving as President and other offices in the company including several of the truck committees. He was a volunteer with Tri Community Ambulance Service.

Mr. Pokrzyk was a member of the Sanborn American Legion Post 969 and the Sanborn Area Historical Association. He played halfback for the Niagara Falls Ravens Football team and he was an assistant coach for the Pendleton Cubs Football Team. He had a great sense of humor. He was admired and loved by all who knew him.

 He was the husband of the late Ruth A. [Kenney] Pokrzyk, who passed away on April 14, 2022, they were married on May 20, 1950 and their union lasted 72 years.

Mr. Pokrzyk is survived by his children John “Jay” (Ann), Gary (Roberta) Pokrzyk and Susan (Gregg) Wendt, six grandchildren Christopher (Taysha) Wendt, Danielle (Nicholas) Bateman, Elizabeth Whitney, Jonathan Lew, Nicolas and Brandon Pokrzyk, four great grandchildren Leena, Callan, Nora and Olive, also many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Stella Cecula and Julia Madej.

His family will be present on Friday from 9-10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 4671 Townline Road, Ransomville, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00  AM, with the Rev. James R. Bastian officiating, followed by military honors.

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