Donald Frank Piontkowski

New Salisbury, Indiana

Donald Frank Piontkowski, 79, passed away at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, Indiana on Friday, October 13, 2017. In accordance with his 40 year American Airlines career, he left us at 747. He was born March 8, 1938 in Chicago, IL, the son of Frank and Sally Rydlewski Piontkowski. He retired in 1996 from American Airlines, which he joined at age 17. He was a Crew Chief in Fleet Service. He married Jerry Ann Wheatley in Percy, IL on June 24, 1962. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, an honorary life member of the Transport Workers Union, the American Airlines Three Diamonds Club, the Polish National Alliance, the Aloha International Steel Guitar Club, and the Capitol Motor Parts Bowling Team. He volunteered for the US Army and loved working with Nike Missiles.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Carol Jane Piontkowski. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jerry Ann Piontkowski of New Salisbury, IN; his son Brad Piontkowski (Fumie) of San Jose, CA; a daughter, Beth Phillips (Chad) of Corydon, IN; his sister Nancy Ruminski of Crest Hill, IL; his brother, Frank Piontkowski of Joliet, IL; his beloved grandchildren, Cameron, Brendon, Savannah, Abby, Carli and Josie and a brother in law, Tom Wheatley (Norma) of Waterloo, IL. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don's joy in life was being with his family and spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He never said that he collected hats, but he had hundreds of hats from everywhere and always had one on his head. He often mentioned that no one would know him if he didn't have on a hat. He enjoyed working in his yard and on every vehicle he ever owned. While he was quite ill, in September, he was asked if he knew anything about a 77 Dodge he had for sale and he immediately remarked "I know everything about it" and proceeded to tell the man all the details.

Don's friends called him "Point" "Polish" and "Very Busy." He was always known to be on top of everything and always ready to help. Many family members, friends and neighbors have told us of how he influenced them and helped them in their lives, in ways we never knew of.

Don was a strong fighter during the last 18 months. He went through 11 hospitalizations, many rehabs, two surgeries, numerous comas, serious drug reactions and many critical issues; yet still fought to live and never once complained and always said he was okay! Two of his doctors said he was always sharp and funny. He was known for laughing and joking.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home in Corydon, Indiana. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Bradford, IN. Visitation will be from 11 AM to 8 PM Friday, October 20, 2017 and from 10 AM to 2 PM Saturday at the funeral home in Corydon, IN. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail to 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.