Leo F. Witkowski

Leo F. Witkowski, Sr., 89, of Grace Heights, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 following a lengthy illness. Born in Niagara Co., NY on December 10, 1919, he was the son of the late Joseph Witkowski and Frances Cebulski Witkowski.Leo was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. His Lord and his church were very essential parts of his life. Leo graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1938 with a degree in business education. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, and was the Staff Sergeant in charge of supplies for his unit. Leo’s organization of the supply room was later adopted as the standard setup for all other US Army supply rooms. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Portage Post in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Witkowski was an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation for 43 years. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather.Leo is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie Corsaro Witkowski of the home; sons, Leo F. Witkowski, Jr. and wife, Teresa, of Glen Alpine, NC, Michael Witkowski and partner, Bob Tyler, of Laguna Beach, CA; daughters, Margaret Daniels and husband, Jim, of Morganton and Elizabeth Kohnke of Dana Point, CA; grandchildren, Drew Abee, Jenna Kohnke, James Mort, Corey Kohnke, Tia Daniels, and Jordan Brown; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Peggy Witkowski; a son-in-law, Michael Kohnke; and brothers, Anthony, Stephen, Edward, and Matthew Witkowski.The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said from 6:00 until 6:20 pm, and visitation will begin following the Rosary. At other times the family will be at the residence of the daughter, Margaret Daniels, Robinhood Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.