Obituary of Henry (Hank) Victor Nowicki
Henry (Hank) Victor Nowicki, 87, passed on away July 16, 2021. His final days were surrounded by his beloved wife, Carolyn, family and friends.
Hank was born November 29, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ as a first generation American to Felix and Casmira Nowicki. In 1896, his father, Felix Nowicki fled Poland at the age of 17. He immigrated through Ellis Island in New York and it was there he was registered. He moved to Tottenville, Staten Island where he met his wife, Casmira. Hank was born the fifth child of six children with four older sisters and one younger brother.
At the age of 17, Hank joined the US Navy. He served for 21 years during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During his service, Hank received five Good Conduct awards, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After retirement from the Navy, Hank went on to work as a civil servant for the Naval Shipyard as a Contract Specialist for 22 years.
Hank has always had a passion for sports. During his teenage years, he won the Staten Island, Ping Pong Championship. As a young man, he qualified to try out for the New York Yankee baseball team. Unfortunately, an ice machine injury on his right arm dashed his hopes of making the team. That injury, however, never stopped him from playing ball. He played Allstars softball while in the Navy and later on the West Ashley Church of God softball team. In his adult years he participated on bowling leagues with work teams. It was there, on a bowling league, Hank met his second wife, Carolyn. As an adult Hank also became an avid golfer. He was always ready to hit the greens with his son Henry, his daughter Debbie, as well as friends from church. Not just a ball player, or golfer, Hank loved swimming. He taught all of his children to swim as well as many of his grandchildren. He loved being in the water and his calm assurance gave his children and grandchildren the confidence to follow his instructions to become competent swimmers themselves. His wife Carolyn, however, refused to accept his training, and has remained a lifelong non-swimmer.
While Hank always loved sports, the first priority in Hank’s life was his wife and children. He found no greater joy than to share time with family. Holidays were always a highlight of the year. Hank was a master cook and always went the extra mile to be sure the favorite dishes were prepared for his family. Over the holidays, Hank along with his wife, Carolyn, would spend days in the kitchen preparing meals, desserts and sweets to share with the family and friends. The preparation of these meals, and treats brought as much joy as the partaking of the meals and desserts.
Hank is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn, his children Debra Ann Nowicki Burnett, Henry Victor Nowicki, Jr., Dwayne Victor Nowicki, and his stepchildren David Berkley Mims (Debby), Robert Nelson Mims (Sandy), and Judy Mims Lutes (Bobby). Hank’s grandchildren are Christina Creel (Tommy), Brittany Burnette, Randall Burnette, Christopher Burnette (fiance’ Morgan Ihnen), Jaime Nowicki Deaton, Mara Nowicki Demery, Victor Nowicki, Ashley Nowicki Olivares (Ashton), Shane Mims, Cassie Mims Crane (Charlie), Brandon Lutes (Carrie), Megan Lutes Lecholop (Kinon), Cameron Lutes, Caleb Lutes. Hank’s great grandchildren are Faith Creel, Lillian Creel, Trenton Creel, Colton Gonzales, Caleb Burnette, Bailey Burnette, Captain Demery, Jack Nowicki, Aydon Gillespie, Avalyn Olivares, Jaxson Olivares, Alaina Olivares, Anderson Lutes, Grayson Lutes, Davidson Lutes, Colton Lecholop, Reade Lecholop and his nephew Johnny Bertan (Edith).
Hank is predeceased by his son Mark Anthony Nowicki, stepson, John Lawrence Mims, his sisters, Dorothy Grzeskowiak, Valerie Bertan, Theresa Brown, Isabel Hornyai, and his younger brother Robert Nowicki.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Lutheran Hospice, and the private nurses that assisted Hank during the twilight of his life. Their services offered comfort and reprieve during difficult days.
The services for Hank will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at New Covenant Church of God, 2801 Ashley Phosphate Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418. 10:30 visitation family and friends, 11:30 funeral. A meal will be served after the service in the church fellowship hall.
