Boleslaw Harry Urbanski

ROCKFORD -- Boleslaw Harry Urbanski, 85, of Rockford died Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at SwedishAmerican Hospital after a short illness. Born October 18, 1925, in Chelmno, Poland, son of Thomas and Mary Urbanski.nbsp; He escaped Poland in WWII and served in the English Reserves. While awaiting immigration to the U.S., he was a roustabout in Bertram Mills Circus, London. Harry arrived in New York City with one suitcase and $50 excited to begin his life in the U.S. Harry met Violet Vinbsp; T. Hoffmann at Waverly Beach in Beloit, WI,nbsp; and they courted and danced their way through the ballrooms of Chicago and Milwaukee. They married on September 1, 1956 in Beloit, WI and the Hoffmann family embraced him as their own. Harry worked for Master Sheet Metalnbsp; for 26 years and was a proud member of Local 219. He was a faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Model T Ford, Odd Fellows, and the Foresters Clubs.nbsp; His hobbies and interests included being an avid car enthusiast and he enjoyed tinkering in his garage where everybody could find him. Harry also enjoyed playing cards with family and traveling to see the world.nbsp; The Macho Man was patient, kind and everyone enjoyed his company. He never said an unkind work to anyone and will be missed by all. nbsp;The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Woodman and Staff and the CCU of SwedishAmerican Hospital.

Survivors include his daughter, Connie (Joe) Mangiardi of Roscoe; sons, Rick (Margo) Urbanski of Ft. Worth, TX and Marty Urbanski of Rockford; grandchildren, Caroline Mangiardi, Michael Urbanski and Nicholas (Kimber) Urbanski; brothers-in-law, Richard (Char) Hoffmann of Poplar Grove and Don (Jean) Hoffmann of Bakersfield, CA; sisters-in-law, Helen McCallum of Rockford and Shirley Robotka of Beloit, WI and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also survived by great neighbors June and Jereve Miller. Preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Vi; mother/ father-in-law and brother-in-law, Don McCallum.

Funeral mass Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter,nbsp; 1243 N. Church St. with Rev. Kevin Butler officiating. Visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Monday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory,nbsp; Riverside chapelnbsp; 3910 N. Rockton Ave and continues on Tuesday at church from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be held after the luncheon at Mt. Thabor Cemetery, Beloit, WI.nbsp; Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com

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