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Joseph M. Pogorzelec 1924-2013

WARREN – Joseph M. Pogorzelec, 89, entered peacefully into eternal rest at 7:35 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Joseph was born March 23, 1924, in Debna, Poland, the son of the late Wadislaw and Josephine Barron Pogorzelec.

At the age of 17, he was taken to Kolberdorf, Germany, and placed into forced labor for the duration of World War II. Upon liberation, he joined the Polish Guard and worked for the American Forces near Nuremberg until he emigrated to the United States in 1950 and settled in Warren.

He was employed with the Thomas Steel Corporation as a steelworker for over 35 years, retiring from his duties in 1987.

He was a longtime member of the Holy Cross Polish National Church in Warren, a choir member and trustee of the church, a member of the Polish National Union of America and the Young Men’s Society of the Resurrection (YMS of R), and a member of SCOPE.

Among Joseph’s hobbies, he enjoyed gardening, travel, casinos and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

On June 19, 1954, Joseph married the love of his life, the former Rose Ris, and had shared 50 years together, until her passing March 2, 2004.

His memory will be remembered and celebrated by those he leaves behind; daughters, Regina (Richard) Bass of Colbert, Wash., and Barbara (Michael) Wisniewski of Howland; brothers, Edward Pogorzelec and Stanley Pogorzelec of Sanok, Poland, and Ted Pogorzelec and Stefania Kopiec of Debna, Poland; and his six grandchildren, John and Sam Bass, and Lynn, Steven, Justine and Stephanie Wisniewski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose; and his sister, Wadislawa Pogorzelec.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home in Warren, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Officiating will be the Very Rev. John Rencewicz.

Burial will follow in Pineview Memorial Park Cemetery.

Material contributions may take the form of tributes to the Polish National Church Center, c/o 1006 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road N.E., Warren, OH 44483.

(special notice)