Mieczyslaw "Mietek" Semeniuk

Obituary and Biography of Mieczyslaw Semeniuk, by Gregory J. Semeniuk, C.M.
 

On Friday, May 7, 2021, Mieczyslaw, 'Mietek' Semeniuk died peacefully from natural causes. Mr. Semeniuk was born in a rural village of Rudno, Poland. Born on August 23, 1926, he was the last surviving member of his family. He was the youngest of six children born to Feliks Semeniuk and Antonia Troć. He completed grammar school at the outbreak of WW II September 1, 1939. He recalled the German occupation in Poland and the movement of the Front in what would be the failed Nazi attempt to conquer Soviet Union. Prior to the movement of German troops into Soviet  territory, his family house was used as a radio dispatch. His brother Boleslaw died in the first month of the war. His brother Jan, also a member of the Polish Army, was briefly a Russian prisoner of war until his escape and safe return to the family farm in Rudno. During the entire War, Mietek remained on the farm with his parents and a few siblings. On June 1, 1952, Mietek and Emilia Golke married in St. Michael's Church, Kamień. In 1962, the family of seven emigrated to the United States of America to be reunited with members of the Golke Family. They settled in Perth Amboy NJ. Years later the original family of five grew to eight with the birth of Alicia (1968). The parents raised six children: Frank (Franciszek), Margaret (Małgorzata)  Jodelka, Adam, Barbara Surowiec, Gregory (Grzegorz), and Alicia Rapach. In initial transition to life in the United States, Mietek and Emilia received the support of Emilia's father Franciszek Golke (+1966), and sisters Marianna (+2019) and Barbara Koziol (+2018). The family were lifelong members of St. Stephen's Parish, Perth Amboy, NJ. The six children attended the parochial school.
Mietek dedicated his life to providing for his family, advising and helping with work. To support his large family, Mietek labored in various kinds of work. In Poland from his youth, he managed and worked on the family farm. After immigrating to the United States, he held fulltime and part-time jobs as factory worker, butcher, landscaper, and a production worker. His frugal life-style and hard work paid off and in 1970 they purchased a home in Perth Amboy, NJ. A decade later the family moved to another home on Maxwell Avenue in Fords, NJ. Throughout his life Mietek kept his hand in backyard gardening. He began his tomato plants from seeds each winter. In late summer he happily shared the bountiful crop with his children. Mietek was a part of every building project begun by his children and their families. Family members would consult with him about gardening, in real estate purchases, and home improvements. Further, Mietek generously made time to help anyone in the family who needed help. He worked on jobs and projects into his late 80's with a strength and endurance that amazed others. He also volunteered at local Catholic institutions. Sr. Ursula of St. Joseph's Nursing Home recalls, "Mietek was my friend. He'd bring me tomato plants, he would till the ground, and brought me cuttings from his lilac bush to plant on the grounds." He most enjoyed assisting with landscaping, gardening, and repairs and maintenance.

In his final years, Mietek kept close to home. He continued to maintain his home and garden. Almost daily he would drive to his home in Perth Amboy, NJ to complete a few chores before returning home for "obiad" or main meal in the day. For leisure, he enjoyed watching the Polish language programs on TV. He had a love for music from youth, and could memorize and sing melodies easily. For the last three years (2019-2021) Mietek remained close to home in the company of Emilia and family. His Infirmities of these later years placed limits upon his activities and freedom. He remained strongly bonded to family and his friends by frequent visits and telephone calls. On Sundays, he received the Eucharist at home from his son, Rev. Gregory Semeniuk, C.M. of Philadelphia, PA.

On Sunday, May 2, 2021, he was admitted to Raritan Bay Hospital in Perth Amboy, NJ. Because of grave illness the family was not able to care for his needs. On Tuesday, May 4, he was admitted as a resident of St. Joseph's Home, Woodbridge, NJ. In his last days, Mietek received palliative care while surrounded by loving family and friends. Prior to his death, he received the grace of the Sacraments. Mietek also benefited spiritually from prayer, especially, our intercession to St. Joseph for a happy and peaceful death. On Friday night, May 7, 2021, Mietek died peacefully in the hope of eternal life.

Following the events of the last week, the family thanks the family members who contributed to the happiness of Mietek's final years, especially, daughter Barbara and son Frank. They thank their friends, parishioners, and family for their prayers and support. They appreciate the care of medical professionals and staff at the hospital. They are indebted to the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and the staff of St. Joseph's Home, Woodbridge, NJ for their care and prayers for Mietek.

He is survived by Emilia, wife of 69 years, six adult children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

The family looks forward to the Funeral Rites for Mieczyslaw Semeniuk , to reuniting with family, friends and parishioners on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Ana Maria Zevallos/Skrocki, Home for Funerals, 467 State Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861.

Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m.  Mass of the Resurrection at Saint John Paul II Parish at St. Stephen’s Church, 490 State Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Johnson Lane, Parlin, Sayreville, NJ 08859.

Immediately following burial, reception at T.B.A.

With gratitude for life and blessings for their beloved husband, father and grandfather, the family requests prayers in time of mourning. Expressions of sympathy may also be sent to Barbara Surowiec, 100 Maxwell, Ave., Fords, NJ, 08863. Gifts are welcomed in memory of Mieczyslaw Semeniuk, for the ministry to the sick. To: Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and sent to the attention of Sr. Elzbieta Lopatka, 3 St. Joseph's Terrace, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

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