Stanley Thomas Nijelski's Obituary
Stanley Thomas Nijelski, age 94, died at the V.A. Medical Center Hospital in Martinsburg, WV on July 13, 2009. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Stan was born on September 10, 1914 in Scranton, PA to the late Alexandra and Stanislaw Niedzielski, Polish immigrants who came to America in the early 1900’s. He was one of six children. Stan was an active and lifetime member of the Polish National Catholic Church. He married Eleanor Wojnarowski, whom he met when they both sang in the church choir in Bridgeport, CT. Stan also hosted a Polish radio show in Bridgeport for 10 years, where he played polkas for an hour every Sunday morning. He owned a music store in Bridgeport, and for years worked with the late Frank Wojnarowski, a Polka band leader and his brother-in-law, booking band engagements for the orchestra. Stan and Eleanor also recorded a song on one of Frank’s albums. Stan’s love of music lasted throughout his entire lifetime.
Stan was proud to serve in the United States Army from 1941-1943, at both the New Hebrides Islands and Guadalcanal. He was a member of the 118th Medical Battalion, working as an ambulance driver, taking supplies to the wounded and transporting soldiers. He received an Honorable Medical Discharge. Stan was aboard the USS Calvin Coolidge which sank in 1942 while coming into Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides. While serving in the Army, Stan was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for serving in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War.
His career was with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and helicopters, first in Connecticut and then in Virginia. For 15 years, he was employed as a Product Support Technician for the Presidential Mission working in Quantico, VA. Stan was on a team responsible for the maintenance of the Presidential Helicopter Marine One. Stan worked under Presidents Nixon, Johnson and Ford. He spent the last 6 months on assignment in Iran, until the Revolution broke out just prior to his retirement.
He retired to Davie, FLA in 1980 where he lived for 20 years. Following that, Stan lived with his daughter and her family for seven years in Paeonian Springs, VA. He has spent the last four years residing at the V.A. Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Stan spent his life as a devoted father and grandfather. He always loved to sing and dance.
He is survived by one daughter, Susan Douglas of Paeonian Springs, VA; a son-in-law Steve Douglas; a granddaughter Brittany Douglas; 2 nephews Bob and Danny, 3 nieces, Janet, Denise and Carol; and 2 cousins Estelle and Theresa.
Cremation will be at the convenience of the family, with Loudoun Funeral Chapel handling arrangements. A memorial service will be held at Catoctin Presbyterian Church in Waterford, VA on July 26, 2009 at 2:00. The inurnment of his cremated remains will be at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors, on August 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Please view and send condolences to the family at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com
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