John W. Polczynski

John William Polczynski, 85, of Lower Burrell, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Pittsburgh. He was born May 23, 1935, in Natrona to the late Peter and Lottie (Bober) Polczynski. John was a 1953 graduate of Har-Brack High School and studied Metallurgy at Penn State University. He served his country in active duty and reserve duty in the US Army from 1957-1962. John worked for Mobil Chemical In Pittsburgh and retired in 1996 from PPG Industries, Springdale Plant after 43 years of service as a Technical Service Manager in the Coatings and Resins Department. He attended Christ Our Hope Anglican Church in Natrona Heights where he served on Vestry. John coached Tar-Brack Little League, Lower Burrell Girl's Softball Team and youth bowling at the former Heights Plaza Lanes. He enjoyed carpentry, electronics, model trains, photography and bowling. John served on the Har-Brack class of 53 reunion committee, was a CORE volunteer, Team Alleghenies Transplant member and bowled in the U.S. Transplant Games in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2016. John received his heart transplant in 2006. John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Julia (Ahner) Polczynski; step-daughter, Kristen Vecchi (Paul) Shows, of Virginia Beach, Va.; step-son, Gregory (Jan) Vecchi, of Cranberry Township; grandchildren, Daniel (Stephanie) Polczynski, Angel Polczynski, Melissa Jackson (David) Westbrook, Raegan Dobbins, Lindsey Jackson and Andrew Vecchi; great-granddaughter, Mia Polczynski; nephews, Gregory Lese, Walter Lese and Kevin Lese; and many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Polczynski in 2012; infant daughter, Catharine Lynn Polczynski in 1965 and by his sister, Anne Lese Smith in 2002. John recently became an organ donor and through this act of kindneess his donation is helping others.

I am an organ donor, giving to someone in need, my final gift, my final deed. To honor John, please register to become an organ donor.

A Memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, Natrona Heights. Officiating will be the Rev. John P. Bailey, Rector. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, 926 Painter Avenue, Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065 or to CORE 204 Sigma Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15238. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.