SARATOGA SPRINGS — John “Jack” Tuczynski, 92, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 26.
Born on April 26, 1921 in Valatie, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Roginski) Tuczynski. He attended Martin H. Glynn High School and graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 2009 through the Veteran’s Recognition program.
During World War II, Jack served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army’s 5307th Composite Unit, also known as Merrill’s Marauders, where he and his regiment were tasked with long range penetration of enemy lines during the Burma campaign. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He received the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Presidential Unit Citation.
Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Saratoga Wilton Elks #161, American Legion Post #0862 in Lake Luzerne, Greenfield Fire Company No. 1, Hadley Hunting Club and Robinwood Park. He was a volunteer at the Saratoga Hospital Nursing home for over 13 years with 4,884 accumulated hours of service.
Jack was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Amelia, his brothers Joseph, George, and Bill Tuczynski, his sisters Katherine O’Brien and “Babe” Egnasher, step children John and Arlene Holbrook and beloved great nephew and buddy Brock Tuczynski.
He is survived by four grandchildren, including Jackalyn Rongo, and five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews including Buck, Kathy and their daughters Darcy and Reanna.
Jack was a friend to many and will be remembered for his happy nature, sense of humor and his endearing ability to develop lasting friendships wherever he went.
Family and friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Funeral services will be immediately after at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the spring at St. John’s Cemetery in Colonie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home Guild, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 in memory of Jack Tuczynski. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
