John Paruzinski

Mass of Christian Burial for John Joseph Paruzinski Sr., 95 of Belton, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton with Father John Kim officiating. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Cyclone.

Mr. Paruzinski passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, at home while surrounded by his loved ones.

John Joseph Paruzinski Sr. was born March 8, 1921 in Dickson City, Pennsylvania to John A. Paruzinski and Sophie Elizabeth Paruzinski.

With war brewing abroad on September 30, 1940, 19-year-old John enlisted in the United States Army in New York, New York. Prior to the beginning of World War II Mr. Paruzinski shipped out for the Southwest Pacific War Theater. John fought and served bravely in many conflicts in the Southwest Pacific until his time in the war came to a tragic end on the Island Corregidor. In 1942, General Jonathan Wainwright's forces were over run in the area, including other neighboring islands in the Philippines such as Bataan. On Corregidor, while in the effort to defeat the Japanese on the island, Mr. Paruzinski along with his company was captured. He was a Prisoner of War from that time until Imperial Japan announced its surrender in late summer of 1945. In total, John spent 42 months in POW camps on the Island of Corregidor and in Japan. For his efforts in World War II, Mr. Paruzinski was awarded the Bronze Star and the POW Award.

In his return from the war John met and fell in love with the love of his life, Anna Marie Matl. Anna caught his eye while on a coffee break and even after her boss attempted to chase him off he remained persistent to ask her out and the rest is history. They were married on July 26, 1947. Mr. Paruzinski was a devoted Catholic and was a long time member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton. He was a very talented accordion player and also played the violin. John was the quintessential musician's musician and lover of all things music. One of his favorite things was watching Molly B's Polka Party on television. Mr. Paruzinski was very artistic and enjoyed artwork of all kind. After his retirement from the United States Army he worked in Civil Services on Fort Hood for many years. John was above all a family man, he enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Paruzinski was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter Paruzinski, Edmond Paruzinski; and sisters, Connie Kovaleski, Josephine Sirianni.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his loving wife of 69 years, Anna Paruzinski; son, John J. Paruzinski Jr. and wife, Charlotte, Jerry F. Paruzinski and wife, Andrea; daughter, Ann Marie Paruzinski; grandchildren, John Harrison Paruzinski, Elizabeth Paruzinski, James Paruzinski, Joseph Paruzinski; great-grandchildren, Chasity Paruzinski and Harrison Paruzinski.

There will be a time of visitation on Monday, November 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Belton, 503 N. Main. With the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m.

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Belton is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home Chapel
503 N. Main St.
Belton, TX  76513
Monday, November 28, 2016
6 - 8 p.m.

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

Christ the King Catholic Church
210 East 24th Street
Belton, TX  76513
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
11 a.m.

Cemetery

Saint Joseph Cemetery
Cyclone, TX