WEBSTER – Frank
J. Dawicki, age 91, of 18 Slater Street, died Saturday, July 10, in
Hubbard Regional Hospital.
He leaves a
sister, Stasia Bardy, with whom he lived; 2 brothers, Andrew Dawicki of
Long Island, NY, and Theodore Dawicki of Webster; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Josephine Burda of Worcester and
Frances Szczypien of Webster.
He was born
in Dudley, son of Valentine and Justyna (Bobrukiewicz) Dawicki, and
lived in Webster most of his life. He attended Saint Joseph Elementary
School.
He was an
Army veteran of World War II. He was a guard at the White House during
the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He then was in the Military
Police Platoon, 10th Mountain Division. He was cited for bravery in
combat from April 14 to May 2, 1945, in the Apennine Mountains and Po
Valley, Italy. He was awarded 2 bronze service stars. He was given the
following citation on June 1, 1945: ”For meritorious service in combat
between 14 April and 30 April 1945. As the division’s speedy advance
developed, supply lines and highways for movement of troops and
equipment became extended and congested with traffic moving to front
line positions. Enemy towns and emplacements were frequently by-passed
and danger to traffic and rolling stock was ever imminent. With
remarkable devotion to duty and ingenuity Private First Class DAWICKI,
often times taking the initiative when he was unable to contact his
commanding officer, directed traffic, made road reconnaissances for
alternate routes over which supplies necessary to the success of the
operation must move, relieving congested areas of traffic and in all
ways contributing to a steady, uninterrupted flow of equipment and men
to the front. His worthwhile efforts were not confined to his own
division but included other divisions as well as allied troops.
Frequently under enemy observation and fire he fulfilled his police
duties with utter disregard for his own safety or welfare and through
sound judgment and faithfulness to duty he greatly contributed to the
success of the campaign. Entered the military service from Webster,
Mass.” (D.A. Owen, Asst. Adj. General)
Mr. Dawicki
worked at Sawyer’s Lumber in Oxford, retiring in 1977. He was a member
of Saint Joseph Basilica. He grew an annual vegetable garden. He was a
devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed both Polka and country
music.
The funeral
Mass will be at 9:00 AM Tuesday, July 13, in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53
Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. There
are no calling hours. The family suggests donations be made to Saint
Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570 Sitkowski &
Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., is directing arrangements.