Edward J. Wolanski

Edward J. Wolanski

Age: 94 • Staunton

Edward J. Wolanski, 94, of Staunton, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016. Born on October 27, 1921 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Ed was the son of John and Antoinette Wolanski. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie P. (Oleksyk) Wolanski, and his brother Theodore Wolanski.

Ed is survived by his three children, Cynthia A. Hammond, Edward T. Wolanski and his wife, Cindy and Thomas E. Wolanski and his wife, Jeanine, all of Charlottesville; and his seven grandchildren, Megan, Allison, Will, Rusty, Matthew, Claire and Drew.

Ed received his degree in Textile Engineering from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1942. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, and later served in the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Major in 1955. During World War II, he piloted a C-47 transport plane which he affectionately named the Woonsocket Rocket, flying with the 84th squadron, 437th group in Italy, France and Germany. He was awarded the Air Medal for flying in the first wave of planes over Cherbourg, towing and releasing a glider behind enemy lines to begin the liberation of Nazi controlled France.

After the war, he began a long and successful career in the textile industry, moving from Massachusetts to Virginia in 1970 to serve as the General Manager of Stillwater Worsted in Augusta Springs and Goshen. He retired from Stillwater in 1996 after 26 years of service.

Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, Ed was a kind, loving and generous man, going out of his way to help his immediate and extended family in countless ways. He was devoted to his wife, Jennie, who he was married to for 69 years, caring for her in her later years until her passing in 2015.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all of the caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care, for their dedication and kindness over the last several years.

A private service will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.