Piechnik, John B. ALBANY John B. Piechnik, 94, died peacefully on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at the Daughters of Sarah Senior Community following a brief illness. Born in Albany on October 19, 1923, he was the son of the late Walenty and Magdalene Czernicki Piechnik. A lifelong resident, John attended St. Casimir's Catholic School and was a graduate of Albany High School. He served proudly in the United States Army from 1942 until 1946 with the 315th Infantry Regiment. John was at the Battle of Normandy and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. On May 9, 2014, he was honored with "The French Legion of Honor Award" for his bravery during World War II. It is the highest award the French may bestow to a non-native or French civilian. He was employed by the United States Postal Service until his retirement and was a devout Catholic. On April 23, 1949, he was united in marriage to Mary E. McKeon Piechnik. That union lasted 55 years until her passing on July 1, 2004. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Rose Glenkowski, Johanna "Jenny" Tenczar, Stanley Piechnik and Vincent Piechnik. He is survived by his six children, John Piechnik and his wife Nikki of Slingerlands; Diane Briggs and her husband Ronald of Amsterdam, Michelle O'Brien and her husband James of Loudonville, Michael Piechnik and his wife Lorraine of Apex, N.C., Judy Piechnik of Gansevoort and Jeffrey Piechnik and his wife Carol of Central Bridge, N.Y.; twelve grandchildren, Lindsay, Mary, John, Benjamin, Tommy, Jimmy, Michael, Chelsea, Katie, Kristi, Abigail (Christopher) and Dehlia; and two great-grandchildren, Taryn and Jack. He is also survived by his companion of recent years, Ginny VanZandt; nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery with military honors. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, May 3, from 4-7 p.m. in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen St., Albany. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Fisher House Foundation www.fisherhouse.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Please visit the online memorial at brbsfuneral.com

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Published by Albany Times Union on May 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Piechnik

8 Entries

Mary Jane Brown

May 3, 2018

To the Piechnik family - My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

May 3, 2018

John
Cyndy and I wish to send our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. May he Rest In Peace.

Kelly Hoffman

May 2, 2018

John, Michelle and your families, I'm sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing your father. May your memories get you through this painful time.

Helen Hayes

May 2, 2018

Mike and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers at this sad time.

Mary Kay & Gary Albert

May 2, 2018

Deepest sympathies to all of you on the passing of your Dad, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Johnny always had time to talk and a smile on his face. He was such a nice man. May your memories help to comfort you all during this very difficult time. He's at peace and with his beloved Betty. RIP Johnny.

Bill Weir

May 2, 2018

John sorry to hear of the passing of your father .
Bill and Kathy Weir

Rita Matthews

May 2, 2018

To the Piechnik Family:

You have my deepest sympathy on your loss of such a wonderful person. I met John at the Daughters of Sarah when my Mother was there on the same unit when Betty was there. He was very dedicated to Betty and I was very impressed with the love he showed. May God bless you all and take you through this most difficult time. RIP John!

jean tomlinson

May 2, 2018

I met John a few years ago at Beltrone, he approached me and asked if I knew a man called Ray, I told him I knew 2 , my Husband and Son. He proceeded to tell me he grew up on Third st. and my husband also lived in that house after that we had a great friendship, .John was a thoughtful, gracious Man. My Thoughts, Prayers and Sympathy are with his family. He was always a true gentleman, and always had a smile.We will miss him at our Senior club meetings.

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