Albert Eugene Bukowski

Albert Eugene Bukowski, 97, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at his home after a brief illness. He was born January 30, 1920 in Tower Hill, PA, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 28 years. Albert enlisted in the Army in 1939 for a three year duty in Hawaii. He was on duty at Hickam Field Army Air Base when Pearl Harbor occurred Dec. 7, 1941. Having completed his three years in Hawaii, he returned to Lorain, OH to visit with Gladys Cole whom he kept in touch with. While there, they were married June 16, 1943. In January of 1944 he was on his way for further duty in the European Theater. He spent the rest of the war there, earning a bronze star with one Bronze Service Star awarded to him by President Roosevelt. After the war, he spent three years in the Occupation of Germany and three years in the Occupation of Japan. While in Japan he became a Mason and a Shriner. He also spent two tours of duty in Korea, one during the war and one after the war. After his second tour in Korea, he was assigned to Fort Hood, TX and where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his work. He retired at Fort Hood, TX in 1967 after 27 years of service. After retiring, he went to North Hollywood, CA and worked for UPS for 15 years, retiring in 1982. Albert enjoyed traveling with his wife Gladys, boating, gardening, hunting, and was an avid fisherman. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Diane and Ray Gray of Vermilion with whom he was living. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Gladys (nee Cole) Bukowski in 2011; parents, Joseph and Rose (nee Chrobak) Bukowski; and 15 brothers and sisters. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 5:00 pm until the time of a reuniting celebration of Gladys and Albert at 7:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct Military Honors and the Masons will conduct a Masonic service for Albert just prior to the memorial service for Albert and Gladys. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.