Obituary of William Krowinski

William Krowinski, age 96 of Ransomville, died Monday March 24, 2014 in Hospice Buffalo in Cheektowaga, after a short illness. Mr. Krowinski was born September 20, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late John and Katherine (Rataj) Krowinski and was a 1935 graduate of Trott Vocational High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in July of 1941 and received his Pilot Wings in May of 1943, having trained for combat duty in B-25's. In North Africa he was attached to the 81st Bomb Squadron, 12th Bomber Group and flew 36 missions in the Mediterranean Theater, the last three of which were flown over the Anzio Invasion. William was then assigned to the China Burma India Theater of Operations, flying low level and spike missions, flying supplies to Imphal Valley and returning with wounded soldiers to Calcutta; a total of seventy missions. He returned to the U.S. in October of 1944 and was assigned as an Instructor Pilot. William was honorably discharged in July of 1945 with the rank of 1st LT. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the China War Memorial Service Medal. William was employed by the Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls for 44 years, retiring in 1979 as an Industrial Engineer. He also owned and operated his beloved Krowinski Family Farm in Ransomville from 1952 to 2011. He enjoyed playing 500 rummy, reading the newspaper, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. He married Frances (Talarczyk) Krowinski on June 5, 1943. Frances predeceased him in 1997. William is survived by a son, William J. (Rochelle L.) Krowinski of Erie, PA; three daughters, Katherine F. (Martin) Braun, Mary Anne Porter, and Elaine (Joseph) Mroz all of Clarence, NY; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Stanley and a sister, Lottie Krowinski. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville on Thursday from 4 - 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 28, at 10:30 am in the Immaculate Conception RC Church, 4671 Townline Rd. (Rte. 429) Ransomville, with the Rev. James Bastian officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd., Town of Cambria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.