Aloysius Widacki

Born in Bremond, Texas, to Edward and Verna (Biezenski) Widacki, Ollie was a farmer before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951 along with his best friend and cousin, Raymond. He was trained as a sniper due to hunting rifle skills learned on the farm. He was awarded the Purple Heart when on the Korean War front in 1952, he suffered over 60 missile shell fragments to his right arm and his legs during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Ollie initially was treated at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, then was transported by hospital ship to the Naval Hospital in San Diego. There, the remainder of the shell fragments were removed. One of his favorite memories, while on the hospital ship, actress Marilyn Monroe met with Ollie and his battle buddy privately in their room for over a half hour.

After the Korean War, Ollie learned the trade of carpentry and became a master carpenter, at which he excelled until his retirement from Freeman Exhibit Company. But most importantly, in 1955 he married the love of his life, Mary Josephine McCarthy. They had five children, and Ollie was a constant presence in their active lives, either as a coach or a supporting parent for their many sports and activities. As a mentor, he also conveyed his carpentry skills to his children.

Later in life Ollie took excellent care of Mary Jo when she was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.

Ollie loved to garden. He had quite the green thumb, and anything he planted grew and grew. He often picked from his own garden for dinner salad. When he became interested in monarch butterflies, he planted milkweed throughout the yard for butterflies to lay eggs and caterpillars to eat.

Ollie loved to work jigsaw puzzles, and he was an avid coin collector, making all the coin shows in Houston that he could. He also loved playing dominoes and cards. Being quite the domino and card counter, Ollie couldn’t resist peeking when domino and card hands were accidently shown. He was in his element when playing the domino game 42 with his family.

Ollie was quite the pro sports follower, especially for wrestling, Houston Rockets basketball, Houston Astros baseball, Houston Texans football and WNBA women’s basketball.

He was an admired fixture around his Southwest Houston neighborhood, often riding his three-wheeled bike with Fergus, his beloved “little Marine” dog, in the rear basket.

Ollie had beautiful blue eyes and a “ruddy complexion” (as listed on his 1949 Selective Service System Registration Certificate), and his contagious smile, big heart and warm spirit lit up a room.

He was loved by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of his favorite times were when the family gathered at a fishing lodge or lake house to celebrate his birthdays.

Ollie is survived by his five children, Stephen Widacki (Doris), Lawrence Widacki, Mary Ellen Widacki (Roberta), Thomas Widacki (Jackie) and Robert Widacki (Signa); one brother, Felix Widaski (Carolyn); 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by wife Mary Josephine (McCarthy) Widacki and by parents Edward and Verna (Biezenski) Widacki and brother Floyd Widaski.

Donations in honor of Ollie can be made to Citizens for Animal Protection, 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Widacki family.