SALEM- Henry F. Gunia, 81, husband of the late Stefania “Stella” (Malko) Gunia, of Salem, died Saturday morning, May 4, 2002 in the Beverly Hospital following a long illness.
Born in Lodz, Poland, he was the son of the late Filip and Anna (Macheck) Gunia.
He served in the Polish Army during WWII and was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Germans.
He came to the United States in the late 1940's and made his home in Salem, where he has since resided.
He first worked at the Pequot Mills, then at Pioneer Plastics, both of Salem. He then worked at Crestband Leather in Salem and at Graves Boatyard in Marblehead. He retired in 1985 from the Richard Leather Company of Salem. He also worked for Grabas the Caterer in Salem for over 25 years.
Mr Gunia was a parishioner of the St John The Baptist Church, a member of the Sons of Poland, PNA, Group 555, and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post #55, all of Salem.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Veronica A. And Theodore J. Sweeney Sr. Of Salem, two grandsons, Theodore J. Sweeney Jr. And Ryan H. Sweeney, both of Salem, one sister-in-law, Rose Smorczewski of Beverly and several nieces and nephews. The youngest and last surviving of eight children, he was predeceased by brothers and sisters: Anthony, Michael, Joseph, Alice, Stephania, Joanna and Stanley.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St John The Baptist Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday evening, 6 to 8 pm. Burial is in St Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. For guest book & directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com