Obituary of Paul Bokowski

Mr. Paul M. Bokowski, 67, of 742 McKennan Road, Herkimer, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2003, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. He was born April 23, 1935, in Gloversville, son of the late George and Clara (Buczinski) Bokowski, and was a graduate of Herkimer High School. He had been a lifelong Herkimer resident. Following high school, Paul had served his country with the United States Armed Forces, and went on to become a disabled American veteran. On Jan. 21, 1956, he joined in marriage with Geraldine J. Tarkowski at St. Joseph's Church in Herkimer. The couple had shared in over 43 years of marriage together. Paul had last worked with Herkimer County as a construction supervisor, retiring in October of 1995. He was a member of the Church of Saints Anthony and Joseph, along with the American Legion Post 229. He was also a member of the CSEA and a life member of Disabled American Veterans. For the past seven years since his retirement, Paul enjoyed woodworking and his hand crafts had earned him a first place finish at a recent Herkimer County Community College Craft Fair. His family was very proud of this accomplishment. He is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine; one daughter and son-in-law, Paula Darling and husband Alan of Herkimer; his grandchildren, Paul, Matthew, Amber and Alan Darling Jr.; his brother, George Bokowski and wife Mary Jane of St. Augustine, Fla.; two sisters, Gloria Jones and husband Merle of Cedarville and Marilyn Ackler of Jacksonville, Fla.; in-laws, Carl Waterbury and Mary Bokowski of Herkimer, Ann Bokowski of Van Hornesville, Clara Szymanski of Herkimer, Joseph Tarkowski and wife Mae of Utica, Irene Czerniawski of Chadwicks, Eleanor King of Utica and Dorothy Synakowski of Sauquoit; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Helen Waterbury and two brothers, Carl and Peter Bokowski. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 North Washington St., Herkimer and at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of Saints Anthony and Joseph, South Main Street, Herkimer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Shinos, pastor. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 8, from 4-8 p.m. Those wishing are asked to consider donations in memory of Paul to the East Herkimer Fire Department or to MOVAC. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family extends gratitude to St. Elizabeth Hospital's Cardiac Care Unit, including Dr. John Rubin, and to the East Herkimer Fire Department and MOVAC for the dedication shown.