Joseph J. "Philco" Curnarski Sr., 85, of Houston, died Monday, November 2, 1998, in The Greenery, following a four-month illness. Mr. Curnarski served as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps in the 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, 12th Air Force, in Italy during World War II. Prior to retirement in 1974, he was employed at Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel in Bridgeville. Mr. Curnarski received his nickname, "Philco," from years of repairing Philco and Maytag washing machines. He was a member of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands, where he had worked at their flea market for many years. He was a member of KSKJ St. Jerome Lodge 153 of Strabane, where he played Santa Claus for their annual Christmas parties, and was a member of PRCU of Canonsburg, American Legion Post 902 in Houston and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg. On June 28, 1941, he married Mary M. Koklich, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Joseph J. Curnarski Jr. of Strabane and James E. "Hammer" Curnarski at home; four sisters, JoAnn Biwojna of Houston, Caroline Harmuth of Canonsburg, Stella Simms of Strabane and Rose Marie Donaldson of McMurray; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a daughter, Mary Jo Curnarski, who died in 1948; and twin brothers, John and Michael Cwynarski, who died in infancy. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Tuesday, November 3, 1998Joseph Curnarski Sr.
Houston WW II veteran played lodge Santa
He was born August 15, 1913, in Southside, Pittsburgh, a son of Peter and Anna Piasecki Cwynarski.