Obituaries

Theodore (Ted) F. Harzowski, 87, of Duryea, died Sunday evening at Golden Living Center – East Mountain in Wilkes Barre, where he had recently resided. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances J. Schittone Harzowski, on July 3, 1993, and by his second wife, Emily (Amelia) Butrymowicz Romanczuk Harzowski, on Aug. 3, 2005.
Born in Niepolomice, Poland on Nov. 26, 1928, son of the late John and Maria Zychal Harzowski, he was taken from his family farm in Poland by the Germans and brought to work German farm lands, replacing the German youth already fighting in World War II. He was then forced into slave labor at the Auschwitz concentration camp. He ultimately persevered through these hardships to escape to the United States, where he would eventually meet his wife and begin a family.
A longtime chef, Ted worked for the Scranton Club before retiring as chef for the University of Scranton’s Jesuit Residence.
Active in Duryea politics, he was instrumental in protecting the watershed along with his wife. He enjoyed fishing and was always up for spontaneous travel with his family. He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea. He will be forever missed.
He is survived by two children, Theodore J. Harzowski and wife, Kelly, Scranton; and Patricia Harzowski Funk and husband, William, Smethport; a brother, Stanley Harzowski, Poland; three grandchildren, Christopher and Daniel Funk, and Kristina Harzowski; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, Edward and Joseph Harzowski; and a sister, Genowefa Fras.
His family wishes to thank the entire Golden Living staff for the collective care given to Ted during his stay with them.
Blessing services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, by the Rev. John Polednak, pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ted’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.