Boleslaw Wodnicki

Boleslaw, known as Bill by his close friends and family was born in Poland in 1922, sent to the German work camps during WWII where he met his wife, Janina, and had two sons, Stanley and Henry. In 1950 Bill brought his family to America with just the clothes on his back and $25.00. He settled in Weirton with his in-laws who came here the year before. Bill overcame the challenges of the language barriers, lack of education and citizenship, working two jobs for many years in order to earn a living for his family. He worked for Nogay Moving & Storage and then got a job working in the Blast Furnace of National Steel Corporation as an operator, where he retired after 32years of service. He learned the English language well enough to become a US Citizen. Bill was a very talented man. He was a jack of all trades and a master of all! But he did possess a God-given talent in carpentry--he could make anything he visualized. Bill built his own home and a garage workshop where he created his masterpieces. He built cabinets, bathroom vanities, and custom pieces of furniture for friends and family, and a home for his son, Henry. His perfectionist nature was displayed in his work. His perfectionism in his craft and eye for quality translated into his personal life. His appearance was impeccable. His co-workers referred to him as “Mr. Clean.” He loved to dance the Polka, enjoyed family outings, and he was an excellent gardener. If one had to describe Bill, they would say he was a very hard-working, trustworthy, Christian man with integrity. As a husband and father, he set a good example for his children to follow. He instilled a work ethic in them that is commendable. Bill became the family Patriarch. He was always lending a helping hand to someone. Family members consulted him on home projects and other matters. He is an example of a true American success story, as evidenced by his accomplishments. He is a survivor! On August 7, 2004 surrounded by his family Bill passed away at his home in Kings Creek Bowl. The legacy he left behind is something to be proud of for our family’s future generations. The son of the late Stanley and Ludwyka (Grudzien) Wodnicki. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, John, Walter, Joseph, and Stanley Wodnicki; and one sister, Helen Wodnicki. Boleslaw is survived by his wife, Janina (Sasyn) Wodnicki of Weirton, whom he married August 5, 1945; two sons, Stanley and Marcia Wodnicki of Weirton and Henry and Norma Wodnicki of New Cumberland; four grandchildren, Mark Wodnicki, Shari Cain, Michael Wodnicki, and Bobbie Leigh Diller; and seven great grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday from 3- 8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Tuesday at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church. A vigil service will be held 7 PM Monday in the funeral home. Rev. Fr. John Rice will preside. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton. Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com.