Joseph P. Pokrzywka

Joseph P. Pokrzywka, 86, of Dunkirk, died Tuesday morning July 15, 2014, at the Chautauqua County Home. He was born Dec. 6, 1927 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph I. and Genevieve (Lokietek) Pokrzywka. A veteran of World War II, Joe served in the US Army. He earned the WW II Victory Medal along with the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. Following his service to his country, Joe attended Washington College in Maryland and Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He then returned home work in the family business, The White Eagle Bakery, that he later owned until his retirement in 1995. During his high school days, Joe was a champion sprinter in track and also played tennis for many years at Point Gratiot and other places. He enjoyed photography along with being a self-taught expert on weather systems and a tornado follower/watcher. His memberships include the Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hedwig, Dunkirk Historical Society, Sheridan Historical Society, and Chautauqua County Historical Society. He helped establish the Brooks Locomotive Train Exhibit at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds. Joe enjoyed working to preserve local and county history. He was also a past member for many years of the Kosciuszko Club. Surviving are brothers Arthur (Terri) Parks of Kenmore, Bill (Judy) Parks of Hershey, PA, and sister Elaine (late Brownie) Kaus of Dunkirk, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and former customers. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Irene Pokrzywka. Relatives and friends are welcome to call at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 o'clock in Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hedwig. Interment will follow in St. Hedwig's Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Hedwig's Cemetery, 324 Townsend Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048.You may leave a message of remembrance for the family at www.rmackowiak.com.

Service:

10:00 AM Friday, July 18, 2014

Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hedwig



Visitation:

2 PM to 4 PM and 7PM to 9PM Thursday, July 17,2014

R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc.