George Bobowski (b. March 1, 1917, Kunin, Poland; d. Jan 8, 2010, Ann Arbor MI)
Obituary
Age 92, passed away suddenly Friday, January 8, 2010. He was born March 1, 1917 in Kunin, Poland. One of five children, he spent his early years fighting against the invading armies of Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, George was badly wounded and spent the rest of the war in captivity in Germany.
After his liberation, he began studying chemistry at the University of Göttingen, Germany, where he earned his BS degree in chemistry. In 1950 he immigrated to the United States, and subsequently earned his MS degree in chemistry from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1957.
In 2007, George concluded a 54-year career in pharmaceutical chemical research that included work with Warner-Lambert / Parke Davis (later Pfizer), the University of South Florida, and finally Berry & Associates. In that time span, he was the named inventor of 18 patents and published 35 papers. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ann Arbor, the Polish-American Congress, and the Ann Arbor Polish-American community.
George was the consummate classy gentleman, always kissing a woman's hand upon greeting her. He had a permanent genuine smile on his face and was the eternal optimist. George and his wife Krystyna loved to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad, and he loved spending time with his family. He loved the beach and swimming, and was an ardent water and snow skier, until he hung up his skis at the age of 80. He was known for his "nalewka," and enjoyed sharing it with friends old and new.
George was an avid reader, passionate about politics and world events, a strong proponent of education, and a patriot of Poland and the U.S. George's positive outlook on life was infectious; his vibrant blue eyes always sparkled. He was a beautiful and kind man, who was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for so many things, especially his modesty, grace and generosity.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Krystyna (Sokolowska), daughter Izabella, son Thomas, daughter-in-law Tracey, grandchildren Alexander and Kate, sister Helena Staniewicz, several nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Poland, and many, many friends. He will be deeply missed by all who love him. There will be a rosary Tuesday, January 12, at 7 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor. A funeral mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ann Arbor, is planned for Wednesday, January 13, at 11 a.m., with visitation at the church one hour prior. The interment will follow after mass at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor. A luncheon will follow thereafter. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to the Warsaw Rising Museum, ul. Grzybowska 79, 00-844 Warszawa, Poland, http://www.1944.pl
