Obituary of Donald T Reznicek

Donald T. Reznicek, WWII Veteran, POW / Concentration Camp survivor. Donald Thomas Reznicek, formerly of Basking Ridge, NJ and White Plains, NY, died peacefully on November 1, 2014 at the age of 91. He was born and raised in Jersey City the son of Walter J. Reznicek, Sr. and Catherine Mahoney Reznicek. Don and his beloved, late wife, Grace Flynn Reznicek, originally from Hoboken and deceased in November, 1999, raised their five children in Westchester County, NY. They returned to their Jersey Roots in the late 70's. Donald was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School in Jersey City. After the war, he attended and graduated from New York University with a BS degree in Business Administration. He enjoyed a career in International Personnel as a Director at the headquarters of General Foods Corporation in White Plains, NY and Bristol Myers Corporation in New York City. He was an avid gardener, reader and long distance walker. Mr. Rezniceks' life was defined by his combat war experience. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, just turning twenty and was assigned to the 765 SQDN, 461 at Bombardment Group (H) as a ball turret gunner. On July 25, 1944, on his first and only combat mission; on a day where more planes were lost than any other day of the war; he and his navigator parachuted out of their tail spinning, burning plane to be captured by the Nazis in Linz , Austria, the birthplace of Donald's paternal grandparents. He and those that survived were taken to Mauthausen, one of the most notorious of the Nazi concentration camps. He was interrogated by the SS because the "Von Reznicek" name was well known in that region. Name, Rank and Serial Number… were all that he would divulge. Subsequently, he would be put on a "forced march" across Austria and Germany…eternally grateful for his military boots that he believed saved his life. He remained a POW till the end of the war…and well beyond! He is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Patricia (Basking Ridge, NJ) and her husband, Peter C. Giammarinaro; their two sons, Adam and Matthew (wife, Carolyn and their sons, George and Charles). Thomas J. Reznicek (Dobbs Ferry, NY) and his wife, Joan; their son, Michael (wife, Brianne and children, Patrick and Abigail); and their daughter, Kimberly. Donna (Sarasota, FL) and her husband, Dave Greenwood. Theresa (Oldwick, NJ) and her husband, Paul Silverthorne; their son, Bryan. Richard F. Reznicek (Macungie, PA) and his wife, Peggy; their four children, Parker, Gordon, Jesse and Connie. Donald's most rewarding accomplishment in life was the raising of his five children alongside his greatest blessing, his beloved wife, Grace… so perfectly named for the unconditional love she showered on him and her children. Don and Grace are once again hand in hand sharing their favorite season together… Autumn! A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11 am at St. James Roman Catholic Church at 184 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ. For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle please visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Flowers will NOT be accepted at the church or funeral home. Thank You, in advance, for your understanding.