March 12, 2020

John J. Niziurski, Sr. (March 12, 1923 – January 4, 1990) was born in Lackawanna, NY to Polish immigrant parents. His Mom passed away when he was very young, and his Dad took John and his brothers back to Poland, where they stayed (about 8 years) until his Dad remarried. They all moved back to Lackawanna and the family continued to grow.

John was a proud member of the US Navy during both WWII and the Korean War. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Virginia Motyka. Together they raised three children… Jack, Sandy and Jim.

John worked at the Bethlehem Steel plant until his retirement in 1978. In his spare time, John was a avid and champion golfer, he was part of the local Civil Defense team, he helped run the local VFW, and he and Virginia were active members of their church (St. Barbara’s)… singing in the choir, running the weekly bingo game, and members of all of the men’s and ladies’ organizations associated with that church.

All of their children married and happened to find jobs and make their homes in Rochester, NY. In retirement, John and Virginia wore out a path on the NYS Thruway to visit with their children and six grandchildren (Michael, Johnny, Steve, Kim, Jimmy and Julie). His barrel chest, and his enormous and powerful steelworker’s hands, became as warm and soft as pillows when he played with his grandkids.

Sadly, leukemia took John’s life at only 66 years of age. Words cannot explain how greatly he is missed by his family, friends and community. 30 years have gone by, yet there isn’t a day that goes by that he is not remembered!