John Szostak

John V. Szostak, age 87 of Lewiston died Sunday February 3, 2013 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. John was born May 2, 1925 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Alexander and Rozalia (Bartosz) Szostak. A graduate of Trott Vocational High School, he was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls until moving to Lewiston in 2006. John was U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II and of the Korean War. He served from August of 1943 to his honorable discharge with the rank of Gunner's Mate Second Class in March of 1946. He was the recipient of the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 star and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 2 stars. John enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1948 and was called to active duty from September of 1950 to June of 1952. He was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon and Korean Victory Medal. John was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1953. On October 18, 1952 he married Catherine D'Amato Szostak. John was a Sodium Cell Builder, employed by E.I. DuPont Co. in Niagara Falls, NY for 35 years, retiring in 1983. He was a communicant of St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston. John served as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America at St. Joseph's RC Church in Niagara Falls for 30 years. He was also a member of and held numerous offices at the American Legion Portage Post #1465 in Niagara Falls. In addition to his wife, Catherine, he is survived by a daughter, JoAnn (Kevin) Broughton of Lewiston; a grandson, Patrick Broughton; three sisters, Helen (late Stephan) Kolano of Florida, Genevieve (John) Kuca and Joan (late John) Mitravich both of Niagara Falls, NY; and a sister in law, Helen Szostak of Lewiston. He was predeceased by a son, Michael Szostak and four brothers, Walter, Stephen, Alex, and Bruno (late Mary) Szostak. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Wednesday from 3 - 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 7, at 11:00 AM in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St. Lewiston, with the Rev. Michael Zuffoletto officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. Of WNY, 2805 Wherle Dr. Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380.