John Urbanski

Mr. John Urbanski, age 83, of 159 Lincoln Avenue, Salamanca, N Y died Thursday, January 21, 2010 at his home surrounded by his wife and family after a year long battle with mesothelioma..

Born on January 27, 1926 in Salamanca, NY he was the son of the late Joseph and Frances Pawlowski Urbanski. He was married on May 15, 1951 to the former Joan K. Clifford who survives.

He attended Holy Cross Grade School, and Salamanca High School prior to volunteering for the U.S. Army at the age of 17.

Mr. Urbanski was a veteran serving in the European Theatre during WWII. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star after being severely wounded in a battle on the Rhine River. After spending 13 months in hospitals in France and Boston, Massachusetts, he was honorably discharged and returned home. He was also awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, American Theatre Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct medal.

He attended Tech School in Buffalo earning his high school diploma and then went on to work for contractors in the area.

Mr. Urbanski was employed at the former Taylor Jamestown in Salamanca, N Y for over 25 years until the plant closed due to fire. He then went to work for O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. until his retirement in 1988.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, water and cross country skiing, sailing and kayaking. His children are grateful for introducing them to all these sports through the years. He was a fine wood craftsman and took pride in caring for his homes. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were a very important part of his life. He was a very “young”, hard working and active 83 year old man who enjoyed good health up until the last year.

Surviving besides his wife of 59 years are: a daughter, Debra (John) Crist, Salamanca, NY; 3 sons, Dennis (Laurie) Urbanski, Salamanca, N Y, David (Debbie) Urbanski, Virginia, James (Tina) Urbanski, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, Thomas (Beth) Crist, Bemus Point, NY, Colleen (Petr) Vasicko, Charlotte, N.C., Jason (Holly) Urbanski, Jordan Urbanski, both of Salamanca, NY, Dylan Urbanski, Mississippi; 6 great grandchildren, Ava & Alex Crist, Isabella, Sebastian, and Roman Vasicko, Cole Urbanski; a brother, Frank (Dorothy) Urbanski, Salamanca, NY; a sister, Ceil Kyser, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph , 4 sisters, Sophie, Anne, Clara, and Veronica.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 11 A.M. in Our Lady of Peace Parish.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

The family suggests memorials to the Salamanca Public Library, which he helped to build, Home Care & Hospice of Western, NY, 1225 West State Street, Olean, New York, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com