WWII Hero, Felix Witkowicz of Fairhaven Passes Away

A lifetime Fairhaven resident and World War Two veteran has died. 94-year-old Felix Witkowicz passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, surrounded by family members.

Witkowicz served in the Army during WWII, and disarmed mines and removed obstacles on D-Day in Normandy, ensuring safer passage for American tanks and troops.

For his actions that day, he was awarded with the highest honor the French government can bestow, the National Order of Legion of Honor in 2010.

His daughter, Janice Ragazzo says a fund in his name has been set up in order to create a memorial in honor of soldiers who were never brought home.

The fund has been set up with the Fort Tabor/Fort Rodman Historical Association.

Viewing hours for Witkowicz are 4-8pm Thursday at the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home on Washington Street in Fairhaven. A funeral mass is being held at 10am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on North Front Street in New Bedford, with the burial immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

All area veterans are encouraged to attend.