Joseph Wojtowicz

Mr. Joseph C. Wojtowicz, 84, of 4099 Killbuck Road, Salamanca, NY, died early Wednesday morning, April 6, 2011, at his home.

Born May 31, 1926, in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony and Victoria Pastaleniec Wojtowicz. He was married on August 17, 1949, at Holy Cross to the former Elaine Hutchison, who survives.

Mr. Wojtowicz was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the USS Birmingham, a Light Cruiser, in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, a WWII Victory Medal, and a Purple Heart.

He was employed at the former Fancher Furniture Company for over 45 years prior to his retirement in 1989.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving, besides his wife, are two daughters, Ann (Jeff) Biscup, Salamanca, NY, Paula (Tim) Dineen, Salamanca, NY; one son, Michael Wojtowicz, Salamanca, NY; five grandchildren, Maria Welka, Olean, NY, Andrew Biscup, Ashville, NY, Aaron (Andrea) Biscup, West Jefferson, OH, Caleb Biscup, Salamanca, NY, Patrick Dineen, Salamanca, NY; two great-grandchildren, Javyn Welka and Jalethyn Miller, both of Olean, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by five brothers, Stanley Wojtowicz, Bruno Wojtowicz, Stephen Wojtowicz, Victor Wojtowicz, and Marshall Wojtowicz; and two sisters, Victoria Nolan and Wanda Reed.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York, on Friday, April 8, 2011, from 4-7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday morning, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Parish, with Father Patrick Melfi as celebrant.

Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.