John Bronski

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - John Bronski, 86, of Tottenville, a former New York City Transit conductor and World War II veteran, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Mr. Bronski served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1941 to 1945. Upon his return home, he began a career as a subway conductor for New York City Transit. He lived in Queens before settling in Tottenville in 1972. He retired in 1987.

He also worked as a volunteer art teacher of PS 1, Tottenville, and was honored with the school's Volunteer of the Year award in 1990.

During his leisure time, he made wood arts for his family. Every holiday, he crafted new ornaments to hang around the house. He also made napkin holders, tulips and bins throughout the year.

Mr. Bronski was a parishioner of Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church, Tottenville.

"He was a hard-working devoted family man who was loved by all," said his son, Paul.

His first wife, the former Pauline Galletta, died in 1958.

Surviving are his second wife of 48 years, Ann; two sons, Paul and John; two daughters, Sue Bronski and Laura Thomas; four grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Help of Christians Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Services: Our Lady Help of Christian's RC Church Thursday, September 22,2011 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Tuesday, September 19,2011 & Wednesday, September 20,2011 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island)

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Our Lady Help of Christians R.C.Church