Obituary of Joseph John Burczynski

BURCZYNSKI, Joseph John Joseph John Burczynski ("Joe"), age 88, of Millport, NY, passed away suddenly Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Elcor Nursing Home with his wife at his side. Joe was born on December 3rd, 1922 in Elmira Heights. He was predeceased by his parents: John Thomas and Victoria (Genolski) Brzuszek. A brother: Stanley Burczynski , two sisters: Stella (Mrs.Charles) Swift and Mary Theresa (Mrs. Charles) Deyo He is survived by his wife, Daisy (Miles) Burczynski, and four sons and daughters-in-law: Mike and Claire Burczynski, Tom and Lori Burczynski, Frank and Connie Burczynski, and Dan and Belinda Burczynski. Joe and Daisy have 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law including Joyce (Mrs. Stanley) Burczynski of Elmira Heights, NY; numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Joe was raised on a working farm and dairy near Centerville, PA. He attended grammar school there, and high school at Wellsburg, NY, where he enjoyed sports and played basketball. He left the farm to build fighter aircraft in Buffalo, and joined the Army Air Corp after Pearl Harbor and was honorably discharged in 1946. He served as a weapons instructor, graduated from B-29 Mechanics school, and later served as a blister-gunner on a B-29 flight crew. His crew was once awarded special honors for having the highest number of flight-hours in their squadron. He was involved in organized athletics in the Army, as well as being a welterweight boxer. He met and married his lovely wife, Daisy, on May 1st, 1945, and was discharged from active service in March of 1946. They built a home with their own hands on Johnson Hollow Road nearly 60 years ago, raised their four sons there, and it has remained the hub of family activity ever since. Joe was employed at US Steel as a crane operator for 18 years, and was head of maintenance for Nichols for 18 years. For many years he owned and operated a bulldozer, as a second job. Joe and Daisy were married for 66 years. They have been long-time members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where they attended regularly, and also raised their boys in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, while caring enough to discipline them. Joe believed in Christ and the power of prayer. He was generous, willing to help others, and had a great sense of humor. He dearly loved his wife and family. He always enjoyed meeting people, learning new things, and working on various inventions. He loved music, and played the accordion and harmonica. He was proud of his Polish heritage, for being an American, and (as John Denver sang) he also "Thanked God he was a country boy"! He was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and especially enjoyed attending the "Fisherman's Breakfast" at Millport on the first day of trout season, and then fishing with sons, grandsons, and friends on Catherine Creek. He took his boys hiking regularly, instilling in all of them a love for the outdoors and God's creation. He enjoyed gardening, writing poetry, and drawing, especially in his later years. He was a good husband and father, was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, children, and family, but they trust he is in a better place, and "will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!" Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Monday September 26, 2011 from 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday September 27, 2011 at St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads, NY . Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will provide flowers. Those wishing to remember Joe may make a donation to the "Alzheimer's Foundation in lieu of flowers.