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Joseph Gorecki Obituary
Major Joseph E. Gorecki, 73, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday morning, 6/6/17. He was a wonderful father to his two children, Erin and Eric, and the best brother to his siblings, Mary and Stan. Joe joined the Marine Corp after high school, but soon after followed his passion for flying helicopters by joining the US Army. He served two tours in Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star. Joe retired as a Major but continued his love for flying as a flight instructor in Ft. Rucker until his passing. Joe spent his final years in Daleville, AL gardening, investing, playing racquetball and spending time with his children. The military only ranked this great man as Major, but his family was blessed to be able to give him the ultimate rank of Dad and Brother. Per his request, no funeral is planned, only a gathering of family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gorecki
Sponsored by Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
Alexander Hanekamp
November 17, 2017
Joe was my flight instructor at USAAVNC during the Rotary Wing Instrument Examiner Course in 2003. Some years ago I tried to get in contact with him but could not find him in the social networks. I really loved his sense of humor and comradeship. He was definetly a perfect instructor pilot but even more had a great personality.
Lebewohl, Joe! Wo immer Du auch jetzt bist! Die Welt ist ärmer ohne Dich!
Captain Joe Gorecki <br />Da Nang 1971
Michael Silva
September 24, 2017
Bitter sweet to hear of Joe's passing. Bitter to hear of his passing, sweet in remembering our F/8 Cav, Blue Ghost Night Hawk mission out of Marble Mountain, Da Nang, from April to the end of my tour August 1971. As a WO1, first tour, I was honored to pilot and share the flight duties with him. "I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give life, and not only life, but that great conciseness of life." Jack Kerouac
Darrell Anthony
September 18, 2017
Just saw notice of Joe's death in "The VHPA Aviator" I went to Flight School with Joe. Even in flight school, he was always a Marine. Years later I saw him at Ft. Benning, GA. I am sorry for your loss.
Tiffany Dennis Ross
September 12, 2017
Erin,
I just saw your dad's obituary online. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. We had good times there with him at his home in Skipperville. I'd love to catch up with you. Maybe this will get to you [email protected]
Alice Kerrigan
August 30, 2017
Dear Erin & Eric, I talked to Belldeen tonight and she told me about Joe's obituary. My Name is Alice Kerrigan, my husband George Kerrigan passed Away August 19, 2017, in New Hampshire from dementia.
George & Joe played racket ball for years. They also worked together. Joe would come and have breakfast on the weekends and usually dinner. Joe taught me to play pinochle, I wasn't very good. He was a good friend and I was shocked to hear of his passing. They are now together still competing. They save the best for last.
Eric Gorecki
July 2, 2017
Eric Gorecki
July 2, 2017
Eric Gorecki
July 2, 2017
Thank you gentlemen for meeting us and telling stories about our dad. He was one of a kind.
Gary Carlson
June 26, 2017
Erin and Eric,
I am revisiting this page today. I had previously written a condolence, rather lengthy but very heartfelt. My computer skills failed, I somehow hit the wrong combination of keys and everything was lost. I wanted to tell you guys how much you are loved, to tell you both and your Mom how much I know Joe meant to you. His memory will grow more and more fond and his loss will become easier to accept with each passing day. Joe was a good, honorable, intelligent man, loving father, educator, patriot and warrior. He was much like my Dad: very comfortable with who he was, what he stood for, and true to his convictions. I will miss him. I am so happy that we all were able to visit with him in Columbus at our recent family gathering. I pray God will comfort you and give you peace during this time difficult time. I love you guys and am here for you. Uncle Gary
Ona & Cal Garwood
June 20, 2017
Dear Erin and Eric: It was a shock to hear of your fathers death. He and my husband Cal played racquetball together for many years. It was then I became friends with him. We shared dinners, and birthdays over the past years. Please know that his memory will remain with us always. Our deepest sympathy.
Ona and Cal Garwood
Enterprise, AL
That's Joe on the left wearing his favorite purple tie.
Mary Perkowski
June 18, 2017
Erin and Eric, as you know your Dad was a big part of my life. A brother who was a friend. The first time I cried this much was in 1961 when he left home to become a Marine. Although our paths diverged we always kept in touch. I saved all his letters even though I can barley dicipher his scribble. I thank him for always being there for me and for making me laugh .. laugh no matter what the circumstance. Life will be much sadder without him.
LOve YOu JOey ...Your one and only ... sis
Tom Tesmar
June 16, 2017
Sorry for our collective loss. Your father was a mentor to many of us younger pilots in Vietnam. There is no knowing how many lives he preserved with his wisdom and skill that he shared with us. I wrote of him in my book "Crusader 23". I last saw him when I visited him at his home in Alabama and he made spaghetti for our supper. RIP
June 15, 2017
I was, for a time, Joe Gorecki's copilot when we served in the 187th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1968. With Joe's passing, today is a sad day in my house.
CW5 Peter Davis
U.S. Army (Retired)
Joe on the left at 187th AHC Officers Club (Blackhawks/Crusaders), Tay Ninh RVN, 1968
Alan Donovan
June 15, 2017
Alan Donovan
June 15, 2017
Erin & Eric,
I was, for a time, your Dad's roomate when we served in the 187th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1968. He was always a larger than life figure to me and all that knew and respected him as our Fight Leader. He was, and always will be the center of discussion at our reunions. He will be missed.
Alan Donovan / [email protected]
Lisette Walsh
June 11, 2017
Erin and Eric, I am truly sorry for the loss of your Dad, Joe was an upstanding man, will sadly be missed, his children were his core, and all that followed were attributes that were important but secondary, he was a man that did it his way, never forgotten, Peace, Comfort and Happiness to you both, I am so glad he called me friend, i wouldnt have missed it,
Max Hackney
June 7, 2017
Erin and Eric, I am saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. Joe was a true Patriot, Soldier, Warrior, Leader, mentor, loyal friend and Dad, all positive attributes. He shared his knowledge and experience with countless Soldiers ensuring they were equipped to Fly above the Best. As you know, I counted Joe as one of my closest friends. His unique sense of humor and quick wit always had me smiling, laughing and thinking all at the same time. He was one of a kind. Liz and I have always held your Dad in the highest regard, he will be missed.
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