NORWICH – Joseph Kenneth Grzibowski, “Griz,” 81, retired Norwich High School coach and teacher, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 30, 2007, in the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford following an extended illness.
The son of Ksawery and Anna (Leszczynska) Grzibowski, Griz was born in New Windsor on Oct. 12, 1925. Following his graduation from the Newburgh Free Academy in 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served his country from 1943 until 1945. Honorably discharged, Griz returned to school, obtaining his B.S. degree from Syracuse University in 1950, and later earning his Masters degree in education. While attending Syracuse, he played football and “rowed on the crew,” earning three Varsity letters in each sport. Griz taught U.S. History and coached football in Baldwinsville from 1951 through 1953, and from 1954 -1959 in Nyack, where he coached the “Nyack Kids” and was named Rockland County Coach of the Year in 1956. In 1960, Griz came to Norwich to teach 11th grade history and to coach sports. Under his guidance from 1960-1966, the Norwich football team broke their losing streak and went on to win two consecutive championships. From 1961-1982, Griz coached the Norwich track and field team and taught Phys Ed. He retired from Norwich High in 1987.
Over his years as a teacher, Griz ran his classroom as he did his teams, teaching team values and guiding those who needed a hand. Any kid with a problem could go to Griz, who took their troubles seriously and never talked down to them. The friendships he forged during his coaching years endured, and he was all but revered by his former teammates and students. Away from the school scene, Griz was an avid hunter, fisherman, and archaeologist who loved to spend hours outdoors.
On June 26, 1964, Griz married Wynifred Wagner. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Wynifred Grzibowski of Norwich; by his sons: Jeffrey of Norwich, Matthew and wife Mary Elizabeth of Fairport, Chet and wife Denise of Corunna, Michigan, and Douglas of Las Vegas; his grandchildren: Nicholas, Katelyn, John, and Laura of Fairport, and Haley and Lauren of Michigan; and by sisters, Stella and Helen, and brother Chester. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Finch; his beloved daughter, JoAnn; sisters Sophia and Anna, and brothers Steven and John.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Griz will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from St. Paul’s Church. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 2-3:30 and 7-9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Holy Family School Development Fund, c/o Holy Family School Development Office, 17 Prospect St., Norwich, NY 13815; with checks payable to “Holy Family School” in Joe’s memory.