Obituary of Michael Stanley Piatkowski

December 10, 2014 Michael Stanley Piatkowski, 93, passed away peacefully at Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse, NY on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Born on June 9, 1921 in Verona, NY to George and Anna (nee Malowane) Piatkowski, Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Gloria (Artin); his sons Alan (Donna), Robert (Terry) and Gary; his grandchildren Stephen, Olivia, Zachary and Lucas; his brother Chester and many nieces and nephews. Michael is predeceased by his four sisters Mary (McDonald), Agnes (McBride), Josephine, Stella and his two brothers Francis & John. Serving the US Navy as a Machinist’s Mate on the USS Lake Champlain, he was honorably discharged and settled in Syracuse, NY where he married his love, Gloria Artin on July 6, 1957. Starting a 7 year career as an Officer for the Syracuse Police Department, Mike found his 31 year vocation as a Tool and Die Maker for General Electric where he retired in 1987. A Communicant of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mike was a proud member of the Polish American Veterans of WWII Post #14. As a life-long member of the Polish Home of Syracuse, Mike tended bar, volunteered for bingo and enjoyed many social functions. His love for Polka music attracted him to many dances and Polish cultural festivals where he and his wife Gloria organized annual bus trips to a Polka festival in Wildwood, NJ and group Polka tours to the Caribbean. He had a fondness for Polka musicians and was lured to the stage where he enjoyed speaking with the people who played his favorite music. An appointed member of the Ancient Order of Turtles, Mike and his peers believe one should think clean, have fun, and recognize that one never gets any place in life worthwhile unless you stick your neck out. Applying his great skill with his hands, and a belief that anything can be fixed, he stuck his neck out by helping family and friends with their repairs – after all, he possessed every tool one could name and often had duplicates which he would gladly share with others. Enjoying camaraderie while hunting and fishing, Mike looked forward to his annual trips. He particularly enjoyed his annual Canadian fishing trip with his buddies from the Syracuse Polish Home. A proud father of Alan and Robert’s musical performances and Gary’s 24 year service in the US Air Force, Mike loved to boast of his beloved sons’ accomplishments. As his sons grew, Mike’s boasting shifted toward showing much pride for his four Grandchildren whom he loved with great vigor. Stephen, Olivia, Zachary and Lucas would make their Grandfather beam with joy when he was able to spend time with them. The world needs more people like Michael Stanley Piatkowski. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 17th, 2014 at Hollis Funeral Home 1105 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13204. Michael’s funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 th, 2014 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Contributions in Michael’s name may be made to the Polish Community Home Building Fund, 915 Park Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204. Please sign the Guestbook at www.hollisfuneralhome.com