John Wiercioch

John “Johnny” Wiercioch, a kind and gentle soul whose life spanned nearly a century of courage, love, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully at the age of 99.

Born in 1926 in Poland, Johnny spent his early childhood on his family’s farm until his village was invaded by the Nazis during World War II. At just sixteen, he joined the Polish underground resistance, known as the Partisans, fighting for his country’s freedom. In October 1942, he was captured in Szczawnica, Poland, and spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war in Thuringia, Germany, where he endured harsh labor working on the railroads.

In April 1945, Johnny was liberated by the United States Army and brought to Buchenwald, Germany. Following the war, he rejoined the Polish Army and assisted U.S. forces by serving as a security guard for German prisoners of war at Dachau for two years. He later continued his service in Munich, guarding an American supply depot known as the “Alabama Depot” until 1949.

In 1949, Johnny immigrated to the United States at the invitation of the U.S. Army. He began his new life in Port Chester, New York, working for the American Felt Company in Greenwich, Connecticut. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, he was called back to service—first training as an engineer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and then serving in Korea for two years as a demolition specialist and sharpshooter. After returning home in 1953, he remained active in the Air National Guard until 1958.

Johnny went on to work for the American Felt Company and later for Electrolux, where he remained until his retirement in 1989.

In 1962, Johnny met the love of his life, Irene “Moochie” Mateycik, at the Polish Club in Port Chester, New York. Their bond was immediate and lasting—they shared fifteen years together before marrying in 1977. Their life together was filled with devotion, laughter, and a deep love of family until Irene’s passing in 2010.

Johnny was profoundly proud of his service to both the Polish and American armies. Veterans Day held a special place in his heart—he never missed an opportunity to honor fellow servicemen and women. No matter where he went, he could always find common ground with a veteran of any war or branch of service, sharing stories, gratitude, and mutual respect. His pride in his military service was matched only by his humility and his deep appreciation for the freedoms he helped protect.

To his extended family, Johnny was much more than an uncle—he was a steadfast presence, a storyteller, and a surrogate grandfather to his grandnieces, Kellie, Sharon, and Kristin, and his great grand nieces, Jordan, Abigail, Cassidy, Theodora and great grand nephew Jack.   His warmth, humility, and gentle humor touched everyone who knew him.  He was most grateful to his niece Margaret Ann Rocco and nephew-in-law Raymond Rocco for caring for him with great love and attention in his final years of life.

Johnny lived a life defined by resilience, service, and heart. Having survived the darkest chapters of history, he built a life rooted in gratitude, kindness, and quiet dignity. His was a life truly well lived.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. He was and always will be, our most cherished veteran.

Visitation will be 9AM on Monday November 3, 2025 at Craft Memorial Home, Inc.  Funeral Service will follow at 10AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery Rye, NY

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