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Napoleon Perkowski Obituary

Perkowski, Napoleon
September 17, 1924 - April 25, 2010

Colonel Napoleon ("Bill") Perkowski U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) died peacefully on April 25 at his long time home in Hancock Park. Born to Kajetan and Maria Perkowski, Bill's family had homes in Chicago, Warsaw and a farm in the Blue Marshes region of Poland. He attended gymnasium in Warsaw.
On Bill's 15th birthday in 1939, Russian armor crossed the farm into Poland. Bill ran into the woods and made his way to Vilnius. There, Bill slept in a cedar closet and eluded NKVD searchers. Acting on his own, he escaped to Chicago and graduated from Harrison High School in 1942. He was promptly drafted and returned to Europe.
Bill served with the US 84th Inf Division, earning a Bronze Star in the Ardennes. After the war, Bill moved to LA and taught at USC. On June 19, 1955, he married Leokadia ("Laura") Kalist.
Bill then traveled the world for Ralph M Parsons Co., constructing airports in Taiwan, Panama, Honolulu, Manila, and Cam Ranh Bay.
Bill is survived by Laura, his wife of fifty five years; his children Ron, Sandie and William; two grandchildren, Laura and Alexander Perkowski; and his sister Jeanette Perkowski Steiner.
Ground burial with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 27, 2010.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on May 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Napoleon Perkowski

4 Entries

Martha Sinclair

April 14, 2018

I met Mr. Perkowski at Parsons 38 years ago when I worked as a temp. He "took me under his wing" and has left a wonderful memory in my mind and heart. I did not know of his passing until recently when I was surfing the web.

Emelda Colanto

June 9, 2010

While I attended Northwestern University the Perkowski family invited me several times to their home for dinner. Bill, Jeanette and their wonderful parents were all so extra nice to me. Over the years their kindness has remained as good memories of my youth.
I never realized how much Bill had accomplished in his life. I am honored to have met such a man and his ceremony at Arlington is fitting to such an outstanding person.
My sympathy goes to his wife, sister and family. Emelda Colanto (Jeanette's friend)

Carl Henny

June 4, 2010

Laura and Family

Thank you for letting us know of Bills passing. Please accept our deepest and belated sympathy. With the medical problems Bill had during the last months prior to his passing, we are certian he is now resting and at peace.
Bill was a very good friend to me during our time together at Parsons, and our friendship did continue for many years with our Friday lunches at the Elks. His story about his getting out of Poland at the beginning of the Second World War was very interesting as he told me bits and pieces of it over the last several years.
We are certian he will get a fitting ceremony at Arlington that will be very much deserved.

With much sympathy,

Carl and Pat Henny

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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