Wojciech Michalski

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wojciech Michalski “Voytek”, who entered his heavenly home on June 9th, 2023 at 80 years old.  He was born near Łódź, Poland, on March 27th, 1943, to Janina and Stanislaw. Before Wojciech was born, Stanislaw was drafted into World War II and never had the opportunity to meet his son.

Born during World War II and raised in post-war Poland, Voytek faced many hardships, but never lost his love for life. He was incredibly patient, hopeful, forgiving, and always made time to help others.

Wojciech graduated from the University of Physical Education in Warsaw after attaining his Master‘s degree. He worked for many years as the vice president of a paper manufacturer and, in his spare time, was an accomplished weightlifter, finding success at the national and international stage. As an avid sports fan, weightlifting, soccer, and tennis were just a few of the sports he enjoyed watching.

He left a country oppressed by foreign governments and worked hard to give his family a new, good life in the United States. Unable to take advantage of prior experience, he worked at Westvaco on the production line and then as a truck driver at Ryder until his retirement. 

After a few medical scares, doctors told Voytek his heart was weak and sick. It was not; it was instead too small to carry the love he held for his family. He loved his wife of 58 years, Kazimiera (called Kazia), with whom he spent every moment of his final years. He loved his children, Marcin (and wife, Deanna) and Agnieszka (husband, Marek). He loved his grandchildren: Jakob, Kaleb, Gavin, Olek, and Kalina. Dziadzia was deeply proud, watching them grow and begin to achieve their life goals, succeeding academically, musically, and athletically.

Starting over in a new country, he did everything he could to set up his children and grandchildren for success. Given the difficulties he faced in his own life, he would want you to do good in your community and recognize the strength in those still trying to find their way. Never forget your roots and those who supported you in difficult times.

A Mass of Christian Burial (services in Polish) will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at St. Hedwig's Church, 408 S Harrison St, Wilmington, where visitation will begin at 10:30am. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for you to donate to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, which Voytek was a frequent supporter.

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