Nicholas J. Polanko

NICHOLAS JAMES POLANKO, age 89, of 10 Kellogg Road, Cortland, NY passed away in the presence of his loving family on Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 at his home. "Nick" was born in Cortland, NY on May 21, 1919 and attended Cortland Schools and Cortland Normal School where he received his degree in Public Education. He taught for one year before entering the US Army Air Corps. Nick served honorably from 1942 to 1945 with the 454th Airborne Division where he maintained communication equipment on six planes. In 1946 he was married to the former Mary Adshade in Cortland where they raised their family. Mrs. Polanko passed away in 1992. Nick also was employed at Brockway Motors and Smith Corona before beginning employment with the United States Postal Service. He was a hard worker and was promoted from Letter Carrier to Foreman of the Postal Service Clerks and Letter Carriers. Nick was actively involved in the 454th Airborne, 323rd Bomb Squadron reunion’s, looking forward to them with great anticipation. At the reunions he loved to share war stories and could always be found in the hospitality room enjoying all members and their extended families. He was a member of the Cortland VFW and always had a smile and a story to share. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family members at dinner, the holidays or a casino trip.

Survivors include his sons, Gary N. Polanko and Kevin F. Polanko both of Cortland; his daughter, Debbi Lyn (Ed Baker) Polanko of Cortland;a daughter-in-law, Pamela Polanko; grandchildren, Jered and Hannah Polanko-Baker; nieces and nephews, Marsha (Ray) Powers, Susan Polanko, Kathy (Dave Knott) Marsh and Barry (Stacey) Williams. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Williams, his brother, John Polanko; a nephew, Jeffrey Williams.

At Nick’s request, no public services are planned. Burial will in Cortland Rural Cemetery. Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com