Andrzej Zbigniew Sakowski

Andrzej “Andy” Sakowski was born in Otwock, Poland, on October 3, 1947, to Stanisława and Władysław Sakowski. He was the eldest of four children and played an active role in family life, helping his parents and caring for his sisters, Ewa, Regina, and Anna.

As a young man, Andrzej was athletic and earned awards in weightlifting. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and, according to his sisters, spent countless hours keeping his motorcycle spotless and in perfect condition. At the age of 23, he met the love of his life, Elżbieta. Shortly thereafter, he entered military service in the Polish Army and later served with distinction in the Polish Air Force as an aviation mechanic. His passion for aviation remained with him throughout his life. Andrzej and Elżbieta were married in 1972 and welcomed two daughters, Iwona and Alicja.

In the early 1980s, Andrzej took a courageous leap of faith. He confided in a friend who worked within the Communist government and asked for help in bringing his family to the United States. Though the risk was great, his friend chose compassion over fear and helped secure passports for the family. Leaving behind their home, possessions, and loved ones, they spent two years in a refugee camp in West Germany before being granted asylum and immigrating to the United States.

Although Andrzej was formally trained as a mechanical engineer, he humbly began again in a new country. He worked two minimum-wage jobs while attending English classes at night and taking every trade course he could find. He believed deeply in the promise of the American Dream and was determined to build a better future for his family.

Within a few years, Andrzej and Elżbieta purchased their first home in New Jersey and continued working tirelessly to provide for their family. He spent many years as a maintenance mechanic, eventually saving enough money to purchase his own gas station, pay off his mortgage early, and to fund his daughters' educations. Through his hard work and generosity, he also helped others pursue and achieve their own dreams.

In 2011, Andrzej retired from ExxonMobil. He and Elżbieta moved from New Jersey to a beautiful home on twelve acres outside Raleigh, North Carolina, and later settled in Belville, North Carolina. In 2022, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, a testament to a lifetime of love and devotion.

Nothing brought Andrzej greater joy than spending time with his family. He cherished his daughters, sons-in-law, Brian and Jared and grandchildren: Evan, Sadek, Andrew, Natalia, and Victoria.

Andrzej was a strong, loving, and self-reliant man with a wonderful sense of humor. He sacrificed tirelessly for his family and consistently placed the needs of others before his own. He was a devoted Catholic, a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, godfather, uncle, friend, and father-in-law.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his nieces Monika, Magda, Agnieszka, Ania, and Ewa, and his nephew Maciek.

Andrzej loved this country and remained profoundly grateful for the opportunity to build a life in the United States and achieve the American Dream. Though his passing leaves a deep wound in our hearts, his legacy as our patriarch, protector, teacher, and role model will live on for generations to come.

May he rest in the peace of Christ and enjoy the eternal reward prepared for him by our Lord.

Vigil Service and Rosary will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with Rosary at 6:30 pm at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington.

Funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Stanislaus Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Rd, Castle Hayne. Rite of Committal will immediately follow at St. Stanislaus Church Cemetery.