Witold (Vete) Wiernicki

Mohawk - Witold (Vete) Wiernicki, 95, of Mohawk passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at his home with his devoted family by his side.

He was born on November 2, 1928, in Little Falls, the youngest child of the late Henry A. and Maria (Florek) Wiernicki. Vete attended Mohawk High School and the former ARI Institute in Syracuse.

Mr. Wiernicki was a United States Navy veteran and served his country during the Korean War. He enlisted on September 14, 1950, and was honorably discharged on July 8, 1954, with the rank of Seaman First Class.

On August 8, 1964, Vete was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ellen Maranville, in Little Falls.

Following his Navy career, Vete was employed as an electronics technician at UNIVAC in Ilion and Utica. He also worked for 29 years at Mohawk Data Sciences (MDS) in East Herkimer, and after his retirement, worked as a substitute teacher at BOCES in Herkimer, NY until the age of 87. He was also a certified electrician who wired countless homes and commercial establishments across the Mohawk Valley.

Vete was a friend to everyone he met and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him. He was also a prolific gardener who had a knack for growing peppers, tomatoes, beans, and everything in between. He was particularly known for his homemade horseradish and kapusta (sauerkraut).
 

Vete was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer where he served as a vestryman and volunteered at many pancake and roast beef suppers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Ellen; two daughters, Susan Wiernicki of Lincoln, Nebraska and Wendy W. Scott and husband Peter of Portland, Oregon; four sons, Michael J. Wiernicki and wife Kim of McDonough, Georgia; Alan Wiernicki and wife Michele of El Paso, Texas; Peter Wiernicki and wife Sarah of Franklin, Massachusetts; Paul S. Wiernicki and Emily Scillieri of Annapolis, Maryland; and 15 grandchildren.

Vete was predeceased by a sister, Sophie Henzel and six brothers, Mitchell, Stanley, Henry, Vincent, Zygmunt, and William.

The Wiernicki family would like to thank the many nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors for the kindness and generosity they showed Vete. They would also like to thank the following for their love and care of their dear husband and father over the last couple of years:  Haylee from Noble Companion; Mary, Georgia, Jody, Heather, Laura, and Gina from Dignity and Grace Home Care; and Ann, Angela, Jan, Ashley, and all of the staff from Hospice and Palliative Care in New Hartford.

In keeping with Vete’s wishes, he was a donor to the Anatomical Gift Program for medical research at Albany Medical Center. Local arrangements are under the caring guidance of Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A celebration of life and memorial service with military honors are being planned for this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Vete’s memory to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.