Longtime JPCA Executive Board member Pete Polonski passed away on Dec 7, 2016 at Dry Harbor Nursing Home at the age of 95.

Peter was born on October 21, 1921 at 112 North 7th Street in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. He served with the US Army, Battalion #389, from 1941-1945 and attained the rank of sergeant. In fact, all four Polonski brothers were engaged in military service at the same time. During his years of service, he belonged to the swimming team and the basketball team and enjoyed the challenges of team sports. Upon his return from the Army, he went to work, as a driver, for the National Container Company in Long Island City and worked continuously for that company until his retirement in 1987.

Shortly after moving to Middle Village 55 years ago, Pete became actively involved with the Juniper Park Civic Association and helped maintain the viability of the Association. He proudly displayed numerous awards and certificates of appreciation received as a member of the New York City Partnership for Parks, NYC Parks Department and Community Service Awards from the JPCA. He held the title of “Park Warden” and belonged to VFW, #551, and was an active parishioner at Resurrection- Ascension Roman Catholic Church.

For decades Pete enjoyed cultivating the flowers and plants at Juniper Valley Park, and often attended lectures at Queens Botanical Gardens to keep up-to-date on the latest trends. He also enjoyed tennis in the park every Monday for years. When asked why he is so dedicated to his volunteer work in maintaining the beauty of the environment, Pete responded simply, “When my kids were small, we got a lot of benefits from the park, and I in return wanted to help keep the park in good shape for others.”

For over 50 years Pete Polonski served as a board member of the JPCA and as a super volunteer in Juniper Valley Park. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, dear friend.