Obituary of John (Henry) Wiktorowicz

John Henry Wiktorowicz, 99, a World War II Veteran, passed away August 4th, on the same day 11 years later as his wife Phyllis. A resident of Maplewood for the past 3 years, he previously lived in Brick, Southampton and Fort Lee. Known as "Henny" or Hank by some, he grew up in Bayonne. As a child, he sold newspapers and shined shoes to help his family during the Great Depression. After High School he met Phyllis at a roller skating rink in 1939. He did sheet metal work while commuting from Bayonne to Fort Lee, joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, and married Phyllis while in uniform in 1944. John served heroically as a B29 radio operator/Tech Sergeant, flying 28 bombing missions over Germany. He received 2 bronze stars, 3 bronze oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. During one mission, the last bomb got stuck: he manually released it, saving his crew. After the war, he and Phyllis settled in Fort Lee. He did auto body work, then worked at Lever Brothers. In retirement, he became active with the VFW, Knights of Columbus, and Meals On Wheels with Phyllis. Roller skating turned to dancing, and their expertise led them to teach dancing to seniors.

John was a strong but gentle, friendly man who helped others. A loving, devoted father and true partner in marriage, he cooked, cleaned, shopped, and had wonderful parties in the basement for blended family celebrations. A truly GOOD man with integrity, he had a Wonderful Life.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect St., South Orange on Friday, Aug 14^th  at 9:30 am, immediately followed by a private burial at Brigadier General William Doyle Cemetery.

John was predeceased by his wife of 65 years. Phyllis (Scutiero), his siblings Sophie Victor, Joseph Wiktorowicz, Helene Aldridge, his granddaughter Akili (Lynn)Gordon. He is survived by his son Henry (Hank) Wiktorowicz of Brighton, MA, his daughter Mary Anne Wiktorowicz, grand children Quintan and Sara Wiktorowicz, niece Helene Africano, nephews Patrick and Edward Ragosta, and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels, or an animal welfare

organization. For more information, or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.com