Kolecki, John H.
(1921 - 2009)By Jennifer Moskal
88, was a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda, N.Y., and served in the Niagara County Legislature from 1978 to 1985. Kolecki earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Canisius College and another master's degree from Niagara University. He taught social studies and Russian in the North Tonawanda School District for 11 years, and in the Sweet Home School District for 19 years. He also taught evening classes at Niagara County Community College. He received the Man of the Year in Education Award from the Am-Pol Eagle in 1963. Kolecki was married to his wife, Violet, for over 61 years. He was the author of three books, and was working on a fourth. He was a Marine Corps veteran who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was also active in many community organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, the Dom Polski CIub, and the North Tonawanda History Museum.
Source: Polish American Journal, March 2009, Vol. 98, No. 3.