Julian L. Nagorski

1922 - 2008

Julian Leonard Nagorski, 85, of Belgrade passed away Saturday, May 24, 2008. He was born July 28, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., the oldest of six children. His parents moved to his grandparents' farm in rural Upper Black Eddy, Pa., when he was 2 years old, and this began Julian's lifelong love of the outdoors.

Julian graduated from Nockamixon Township High School in 1941, then worked for Riegel Paper Company in Milford, N.J., until he was drafted. World War II was an indelible influence in his life. After induction in November 1942, he studied radiology at Fordham and NYU. He began his tour of the European Theater as a medic with the 104th Infantry Division ("Timberwolves") at Cherbourg, France, in August 1944. The Timberwolves saw action throughout Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and were the liberators of the Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp in Nordhausen, Germany. Julian received the Bronze Star and was discharged in San Luis Obispo, Calif., in November 1945.

Julian's time at Camp Carson rekindled his passion for the west, and he eventually moved to Colorado to study gunsmithing at Trinidad State Junior College. He apprenticed under P.O. Ackley and graduated in 1949. He returned to Pennsylvania to start his own business and later went to work for George Schielke in Titusville, N.J. Their business relationship grew into a lifelong friendship. In 1972 the family moved to Belgrade, and Julian opened a gun shop and sporting goods store which he maintained until his semi-retirement in 2002.

On Sept. 17, 1955, Julian married Elizabeth Sawchuk. A match truly made in heaven, they were happily married for 48 years. Although a quiet man, Julian had many loves in his life - the most important ones being the Catholic Church, his wife and family, and aviation.

Julian was a private pilot and commander of the Gallatin Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol from 1973 to 1983. He was a charter member of the Belgrade Development Corporation, a life member of the NRA, the Knights of Columbus, and one of the founders of Valley of Flowers Catholic Church.

Survivors include sons, Joe (Trisha) Nagorski of Klamath Falls, Ore., Thomas Nagorski of Belgrade; daughter, Marie (Raymond) Nagorski-Jones of Belgrade; grandchildren, Kenny, Nicholas, Julie and Samantha; sisters, Alice Bisbing of Richboro, Pa., and Marie (Les) Hanna of Upper Black Eddy, Pa. Special thanks go to Maryellen Sistek and all the friends who have become extended family.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; sister, Adele (Schan); and brothers, David and Nicholas Romaine.

Memorial Mass will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Valley of the Flowers Catholic Church in Belgrade.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital's charities: Hospice, Cardiac Rehabilitation or Maternity Center (Elizabeth Nagorski Fund); 931 Highland Blvd. Suite 3200, Bozeman 59715.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlcares.com.