Witold Hryniewicki

Witold Hryniewicki, a 57 year resident of Downey, passed away at home on March 28, 2012. He was 97 years old.He was born in Russia but grew up in Poland. He was an officer in the Polish army at the time of the German invasion in 1939. He was able to escape Poland and made his way to England where he spent the rest of World War II. He attained the rank of Major at the end of the war. At the end of the war, he immigrated to the United States. He initially found work in various factory jobs. He met his wife Maria, married in New York. He had learned engineering while in Poland. Even though he was not familiar with English, he was able to enroll in the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and received a Bachelors degree. He eventually received a Masters Degree from USC. In 1955 he moved to Downey where he started to work at North American Aviation. He eventually was hired to work in the Public Works Department for the City of Downey in 1967 as a civil engineer. He worked there until 1987. Witold is remembered for his gentle and humble personality, warm smile, and generosity. Maria, his wife of 60 years, passed away last year. He is survived by his sons Stephen and Tom, and five grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be held on April 9, at Holy Cross Cemetery at 11AM, followed by internment.

********** Published: April 5, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 51