Obituary of Raymond J. Winieski

Raymond J. Winieski Age 91 of Elmira, NY. He was born October 4, 1932 in Elmira, son of the late Max M. and Ida F. (Krolak) Winieski and passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023 at St. Joseph's Hospital after an extended illness. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law Stanley & Florene Winiecki; sister and brother-in-law Jane & Gene Hammel. Ray is survived by his brother and sister-in-law John "Jack" and Alberta "Bert" Winieski of Dillsburg, PA; sister and brother-in-law Margaret "Marge" & Roger Cowulich of Elmira along with several nieces and nephews. Ray was a lifetime communicant of St. Casimir's Church and was a founding member of their Polish choir. He graduated from Elmira Catholic High School. After graduation he was employed by the Rochester Times Union newspaper as librarian and archivist for a few years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he pursued higher education earning a BS in Education from Mansfield University and an MS in Education from Elmira College majoring in history. He taught at the Elmira Correctional Facility for 20 years, retiring in 1987. After retiring he devoted his time researching and writing about the Polish community in the Elmira area. That study resulted in the 1968 publication of "Elmira Poles" a history of the Polish emigration to the greater Elmira area and also published a book of poems. He was very influential in establishing the Elmira Polish Arts Club. Family and friends are invited to visit St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira on Thursday, November 30th from 10 to 11 am. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am. To view a livestream of his Mass, please visit www.elmiracatholic.org/stream. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Ray through donations to Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org or the charity of one's choice. His family wishes to thank Dr. Corbalan and the entire staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Ray throughout the years.