Born in New Bedford, last of 9 children to Leon and Antonina (Kocur) Witkowicz, loving father of 5 children, Felix J. of Missouri, Stas’ and his wife Terri of Connecticut, Mary Anne Polchlopek and her husband Walter of Fairhaven, Leon and his wife Nancy of Florida, Janice Ragazzo and her husband Tony of New York; 8 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Bedford where he served as an usher and a past director of the Catholic Charities Appeal. Was a member of the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Adam Mickiewicz Club, Polish Benefit and Social Society and the Polish –American World War Veterans’ Association.
A graduate of Fairhaven High School, he was employed by Morse Twist & Drill and Machine Co. for 39 years. After high school, he served as a leader for 4 years in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Army Corp of Engineers Division. While in the CCC he won the Table Tennis Championship and also fought in many boxing tournaments, even had a bout with Shorty Henderson.
He enlisted in the Army in 1942. During WWII he was assigned as Rifleman and Quartermaster to the 616th Ordnance Ammunition Company, 5th Engineer Special Brigade, Combat Engineers Amphibious Forces. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Felix, a squad leader, landed on Omaha Beach on the 33rd wave. He was then intergraded with Company C 301st Infantry. Shortly after, Felix and his men volunteered to fight in the Battle of the Bulge under General George Patton’s command and was assigned to the 94th Infantry Division for 16 months. He was a TECHNICIAN GRADE 5. For his efforts in the face of great adversity, Felix was awarded the Bronze Star, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Army of Occupation Medal with German Clasp, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Honorable Service Lapel Button-WWII, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and Bronze Arrowhead.
On August 17, 2010, Felix was awarded Frances National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest military award bestowed by the French Government at Fort Tabor Military Museum. At this ceremony, Mayor Scott Lang presented Felix with Citations from the City of New Bedford and the N.B. City Council. He also received citations from Senator John Kerry, Congressman Barney Frank and was presented with the American Flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C
He will be long remembered for his love of God, Family and Country.
His funeral will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012, at 9am from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT FAIRLAWN 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, followed by his funeral mass at 10am in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 235 N. Front St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be Thursday; from 4 to 8pm. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers contributions in his honor may be made to the Felix S. Witkowicz Fund in honor of all soldiers still missing and unaccounted for in the past, present and future wars. Checks payable to the: Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Association, 1000 CS Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02744, 501c, 23-7319147. The family cordially invites all veterans to the service. To send a tribute or for directions visit: www.waring-sullivan.com
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