RIP John P. Tucholski / DFC

Ferhilt · Aug 8, 2008

Tucholski, WW II Vet, Funeral Home Owner, Dies at 85
Tucholski, WW II Vet, Funeral Home Owner, Dies at 85

John P. Tucholski, a life-long resident of Roslyn Heights who served both his country as an honored World War II veteran and his community as a dedicated funeral director, died this past June 21. He was 85.

John was the owner of the Roslyn Heights Funeral Home. He enlisted in the military in 1942 and became a member of the 389th bomb group of the U.S. Army Air Force as a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator. During his service, he participated in the famous bombing raid over Ploesti, Romania, on Aug. 1, 1943 as well as 24 other missions in the African and European Theatres.

Among the numerous medals awarded Tucholski for his courage and valor was the Distinguished Flying Cross. A proud veteran, he remained close to his crew and always looked forward to his annual reunions. He often regaled his family with his stories of experiences overseas. Among such tales was when his plane was shot down over Italy and he had to make an emergency crash-landing in a vineyard. Exiting the airplane, John and his crew feared that they had entered enemy territory, not yet aware that the town had been taken over by the Allied forces just the day before. His faith, both in God and his fellow soldiers, led John safely back to his home on Long Island.

After the war, Tucholski returned to civilian life and settled down with his beautiful bride, Margery (Ball), whom he had married in Denver, CO, shortly before being shipped overseas. The two were Roslyn High School sweethearts and just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 16 of this year. Together, they were always the core of their family, constantly teaching the importance of faith, love and loyalty. John and Marge have two daughters, Linda and Jean; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John's unwavering sense of loyalty extended to his beloved community of Roslyn Heights, the town in which his grandfather had established the first Tucholski home in the late 1800s. John was raised in Roslyn Heights with his four brothers and one sister and remained in the town. He served as funeral director of the Roslyn Heights Funeral Home for 60 years, comforting countless families through some of their most trying times. John was a devout Catholic and unfailingly practiced his faith in his beloved parish of St. Mary's RC Church in Roslyn. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus John W. Mackay Council and Bishop Kellenberg Assembly Fourth Degree Knight, the Roslyn Rotary Club and Albertson VFW Post #5253.

John will forever be remembered for his integrity and his ability to make his friends and family feel truly loved and cared for. His quick wit and charm put everyone at ease, while his selflessness and generosity set a standard most of us can only hope to achieve. Though gone from us, his bigger-than-life spirit will be forever alive within the many lives he profoundly touched.

A wake was held at the Roslyn Heights Funeral Home and burial took place at Holy Rood Cemetery.
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