Henry J. Sobieski Obituary (1929 - 2018)

Sobieski, Henry J. December 4, 2018. Age 89. Beloved Husband for 61 years to Joanna C. (nee Fendrick). Cherished father of Theodore (Celeste), Thomas (Sharon), Joanna J., & Anthony (Ann). Devoted grandfather of Kevin, Joanna K., Timothy, Alexandra, Michael, Jenna, & John. Hank was born in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia to Julian and Stanislawa Sobieski. He had three sisters, Stella (William Bartkowski), Wanda (John Lachowicz) and Helen (Joseph Lachowicz). Stella and Bill, Wanda and John, and Helen all have preceded their brother in death. Hank and his sisters were first generation Americans. In 1948 Hank joined the United States Army were he served as an Military Policeman (MP) in Germany and then as a Drill Instructor (DI) at Ft Dix, NJ. In 1952, Hank attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned a lieutenant in the artillery branch of the Army. Hank was immediately sent overseas to Korea where he fought in the Korean War throughout 1953. He and his unit fought in such battles as Pork Chop Hill, the siege of Outpost Harry and the Kumsong Salient. Hank had the distinction of being on the front lines on the last day of the war and witnessed the ceasefire as he stood on his bunker and looked out on the enemy that had been trying to kill him and his men moments before. Hank was decorated with the Bronze Star for his efforts in Korea. Hank left the service in 1954 and attended LaSalle College on the GI Bill. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Accounting in 1957 and was quickly hired as an accountant for the U.S. Government. In that time, he was introduced to a young lady named Joanna Fendrick from Hazleton PA. They were married on June 8th 1957 and moved to North East Philadelphia where they were founding members of a new parish, Our Lady of Calvary. where he was selected to be on the pastoral council, was also an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and was an usher like his father before him for many years. Sadly their first child Henry died within days of his birth in early 1958. However the young couple's faith in God persevered and prayers were answered with the birth of their son Ted on Nov 6th 1958. Their next son Tom came soon afterward on May 10th 1961. Their daughter Joanna Joy was born on August 7th 1964 and lastly Tony was born on April 9th 1966. Hank was a devoted husband and a strong and loving father to his children, ensuring they were raised in the Catholic faith. Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Hank was a rock of foundation for his church and local community. Learning from his father, Hank was a classic jack-of-all-trades and handyman. His passions ranged from deep sea fishing with his brothers-in-law Joe, John and Bill, to working on his shore house in the Villas, to being a father and leader to his family. Hank was known within his family and close circle of friends for his dry wit and humor. He retired from federal service in 1985. With the 1990s came marriages and grandchildren, all of which he loved and cherished. This also brought travel and babysitting to the four corners of the country to where his children were stationed. In 2007 Hank suffered his first stroke, but with great determination made a full recovery. Unfortunately he would have his second stroke in 2009, which cut back on his active life, but he was still able to devote time to his family. In 2017, Hank suffered his third stroke, but again his positive outlook served as an inspiration to his family. Relatives, friends and members of OLC Seniors are invited to his viewing and funeral Monday 9- 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Rd. Funeral Mass 11 AM. Rite of Committal at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in Hank's name may be made to the Korean War Project www.koreanwar.org (see details in Charitable contributions below) To share a memory of Hank, please visit www.tjfluehr.com Florists: All deliveries must be made to Our Lady of Calvary Church by 8:30 AM on Monday, December 10th. To send flowers to Henry's family, please visit our floral store.