Anthony Potochniak

Potochniak, Anthony

Endwell: Anthony Potochniak, 87, of Endwell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and nephew, left this earthly life to join his many family and friends in the heavenly kingdom on June 2, 2013, one day shy of his 88th birthday. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Paul and Mary (Wasneechak) Potochniak; a sister, Betty Potochniak; a special "Uncle Mike" Wasneechak; and his grandson, Daniel Potochniak. He is survived by his beloved wife, sweetheart, and best friend of 62 years, Josephine Potochniak; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas Potochniak, David and Linda Potochniak and Robert and Patricia Potochniak, all of Endicott; four grandchildren, Stephanie Potochniak, VA, Andrea, Kayla and Matthew Potochniak, all of Endicott; a step-grandson, Michael Marini, Binghamton; a sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Ronald Baker; niece and nephew, Paula Morgan and Matthew Baker, CA; and an aunt, Helen Wasneechak, Johnson City; and many cousins. Anthony retired from IBM Owego after many years of service and was very proud of his Outstanding Contributions Award. He was a veteran of WWII and survived the sinking of his ship, the USS GAMBIER BAY CVE-73, at the battle of Leyte Gulf October 25, 1944. He spent many years of his retirement promoting camaraderie among his surviving shipmates and the memory of those who were lost (see this website: USSGambierbay-VC10.com). His grandchildren held a special place for him. He frequently spoke of Daniel, who was only with us for a few short hours. He loved to attend his grandchildren's swimming, softball, baseball, and dance events. He was always ready to share a story with his grandchildren whenever the situation presented itself. He will be missed by all of his family. Sail On, Sail On, Sailor. The family would like to thank neighbors and friends for their support. Special thanks to Linda, Marie, and May. Contributions may be made in Tony's name to Wounded Warriors or a veteran's charity of one's choice. A Funeral Service will be held 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Laskowski Funeral Home, 367 Prospect St., Binghamton, and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Hayes Ave., Endicott, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Castle Creek, NY. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Arrangements and supervision by: