Trzaskos, John J.
AMSTERDAM — John J. Trzaskos, formerly of Amsterdam, passed away at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy on Sunday, October 3, 2021, after a long illness. He was born on November 14, 1924, in Amsterdam, N.Y. to Joseph and Mary (Gongola) Trzaskos, who were immigrants from Wytola, Poland. John attended Saint Stanislaus grammar school and then Wilbur Lynch High School in Amsterdam. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army during World War II and he trained in Georgia and then southern England. John landed on D-day at Omaha Beach as part of the second wave with the 29th Division, 115th Regiment, Company E. He was captured on June 10, 1944, and was a POW in then Czechoslovakia (Stalag 13b) until the end of the war. John was employed by the Amsterdam Fire Department for 38 years and he rose to the rank of battalion chief. He also worked part-time for
He also worked part-time for many years at the A&P Supermarket.
On October 10, 1948, he married Florence Swinarski. John is survived by his wife, Florence; his daughter Christine Traskos and her partner, Marc Zylberberg; his brother, Edward Trzaskos; his brother-in-law, Eugene (Clorinda) Swinarski; his sister-in-law Josephine Swinarski and several nieces and nephews.
John enjoyed golf and bowling with the friends that he grew up with. He was an avid baseball fan and he enjoyed family trips to Yankee Stadium. He also traveled with the family on numerous cruises and European trips. His most cherished trip was to Normandy, France to attend the 70th Anniversary of D-day in 2014. Among many awards, John was appointed as chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic in 2014.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Stratton VA for its many years of professional services to John. The family is also thankful for the care he received at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, October 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Jendrzejczak Funeral Home, 200 Church St., Amsterdam (518-843-2550). The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 8, starting at 11 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell St., Amsterdam with burial to follow in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA, 70130 or to a charity of one’s choice.
In Memoriam Notices Deadline Information: