Celebrating the life of
John Joseph Piechocinski
March 01, 1933 - January 06, 2012
John Joseph Piechocinski
SAVANNAH - John Joseph Piechocinski, son of John Benjamin and Mary Winkelmes Piechocinski was born March 1, 1933, in Savannah, Georgia. He was educated in parochial schools as a child, and attended Benedictine and Savannah High School. He attended Armstrong College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. When the Korean Conflict broke out, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in a Military Police unit in Munich, Germany.
Returning to Savannah from active duty, he enrolled at Georgia Southern College where he earned a Bachelor degree and later a master's degree in School Administration. He taught in the public school system in Nassau County, Florida, for nine years where he met his future wife, Elizabeth "Sissy" Carpenter. They were married in 1969. He referred to her as "the love of my life".
John taught at Groves High School in Savannah and then accepted a position in the Superintendent's office in Sandersville, Georgia as Title I Director and Adult Education. In 1971, he was offered the position as Principal of South Harlem Elementary School which he held for eleven years. He became Vice Principal at Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia in 1982 and retired in 1988 after 32 years in education.
After his retirement, he moved back to Savannah and became a docent at the Wayne Gordon House, and later the Andrew Low House as well. He was a Life member of the Girl Scouts in the U.S.A. He received frequent fan mail from the Girls Scouts he guided through the house and on tours. He was a licensed tour guide and loved telling visitors about the history of his beloved Savannah. In 1999, the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council presented John with the Service Star Award for Exemplary Service to Savannah's visitors.
John had a number of interests, but was especially proud of his Christmas tree which held the more than 5000 ornaments he collected over the years from all over the world. He was a member of numerous organizations including the A.S.P.C.A., the Fenian Society of Savannah, the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, the Benedictine Survivors Club, the Coastal Heritage Society, the Georgia Historical Society, and the Catholic Cemetery Preservation Society. He was a charter member of the Harlem Lions Club and served as its President. He was a communicant at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Carpenter Piechocinski, a nephew, William A. Bell Crystal of Hillsboro, MO; great nephews William A. Bell Jr., Gregory Thomas Bell, Benjamin Carpenter Bell, and great niece, Savannah Corinne Bell; his adopted daughter, Stacey Yongue Douglas of Laurinburg, NC; cousin Judy W. Durden of SC; cousins JeffTonya Gunn of Rincon, GA; Jessica Brad McEachern and Julie James Fielding of Whitmarsh Island; James Patty Gunn of Garden City, GA; beloved friend Arnold S. Goldstein of Savannah; and his care givers Rejana Gamble and Jackie Cooper.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, January 9, 2012, at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Interment will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, or
St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Dear Sissy, My heart breaks for your loss and I realize God has a new angel. I adored John P.! We met at the Birthplace while I was at Sojourn and he made the house come alive! His enthusiasm was catching and I fell in love with the House and its history because of him. His knowledge of Savannah was unparalleled! One of my fondest memories was meeting him on the street in Savannah. I was shopping and turned to see him crossing the street in my direction. He stopped to chat and I noticed he was carrying some roses and he remarked that he was bringing them to you. Each time I remember that moment, I remembered a man who was truly dedicated to his Sissy. I know the people of both Savannah and Laurinburg will miss him but I know you will miss him immensely. My prayers are with you as well as my condolences. Truly, Joyce Florence Cassin better known to John P. as 'Kentucky'
- Joyce F. Cassin, SHELBYVILLE, KY
Dearest Sissy, I just found out. My heart is with you. I have loved you both since I was 8 years old. I will never forget your wedding. It was a magical event. We now share another loss. He is with my Sarah I am sure. Anything you need from me is yours. Jennifer Cook
- Jennifer, Eden, GA
Dear Elizabeth, A true lover of downtown Savannah has passed and he will be missed.Please accept my sympathy and you will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Thinking of you at your time of loss. Bank of Columbia County
- Bill and Patsy Gunnoe, Harlem, GA
Memories of a great Principal.1970's My condolences to the family. May God Bless.
- Annette Gunnoe Black, Harlem, GA
Dear Mrs Piechocinski,so sorry to read about Mr P. I have fond memories of my elementery school yrs at S H. Mr P was a favorite among the students. Though I live in Martinez I maintain close ties to my roots. Go rabbit hunting about once a week with Jimmie Lewis and his boys. Mayor Lewis age 87 even went with us recently! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- TOMMY NORRIS, augusta, GA
Classmate in fifty's at Georgia Southern GTC Our condolences.
- Gene Ragsdale, Swainsboro, GA
Rest in peace, dear John, in the perpetual light of heaven and innumerable Christmas trees. Sissy, please know that you are in my most special thoughts as you deal with the reality of your great loss.
- Phyllis Shaw, Greensboro, NC
Dear Sissy, My heart breaks for your loss and I realize God has a new angel. I adored John P.! We met at the Birthplace while I was at Sojourn and he made the house come alive! His enthusiasm was catching and I fell in love with the House and its history because of him. His knowledge of Savannah was unparalleled! One of my fondest memories was meeting him on the street in Savannah. I was shopping and turned to see him crossing the street in my direction. He stopped to chat and I noticed he was carrying some roses and he remarked that he was bringing them to you. Each time I remember that moment, I remembered a man who was truly dedicated to his Sissy. I know the people of both Savannah and Laurinburg will miss him but I know you will miss him immensely. My prayers are with you as well as my condolences. Truly, Joyce Florence Cassin better known to John P. as 'Kentucky'
- Joyce F. Cassin, SHELBYVILLE, KY
Dearest Sissy, I just found out. My heart is with you. I have loved you both since I was 8 years old. I will never forget your wedding. It was a magical event. We now share another loss. He is with my Sarah I am sure. Anything you need from me is yours. Jennifer Cook
- Jennifer, Eden, GA
Dear Elizabeth, A true lover of downtown Savannah has passed and he will be missed.Please accept my sympathy and you will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Thinking of you at your time of loss. Bank of Columbia County
- Bill and Patsy Gunnoe, Harlem, GA
Memories of a great Principal.1970's My condolences to the family. May God Bless.
- Annette Gunnoe Black, Harlem, GA
Dear Mrs Piechocinski,so sorry to read about Mr P. I have fond memories of my elementery school yrs at S H. Mr P was a favorite among the students. Though I live in Martinez I maintain close ties to my roots. Go rabbit hunting about once a week with Jimmie Lewis and his boys. Mayor Lewis age 87 even went with us recently! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- TOMMY NORRIS, augusta, GA
Classmate in fifty's at Georgia Southern GTC Our condolences.
- Gene Ragsdale, Swainsboro, GA
Rest in peace, dear John, in the perpetual light of heaven and innumerable Christmas trees. Sissy, please know that you are in my most special thoughts as you deal with the reality of your great loss.
- Phyllis Shaw, Greensboro, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
