 ZOWNIR, MICHAEL Michael Zownir, 98, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather died peacefully on Friday, December 19th, 2014 with his family by his side. Mike was born on February 13, 1916 in New York City. He was the third of 5 sons. He married Josephine Andrukites and they came to New Mexico in the early 1950's, settled in Albuquerque and had three daughters. He worked as a carpenter and miniature parts machinist at Sandia Labs and Model Products. He enjoyed a sunny day at the golf course, the ponies at the races, and was an expert pool player, winning first place ribbons in the Senior Olympics. He was the co-inventor of the patented billiards Zee Tip Truer and Trimmer. He loved music and played the drums for many years. Mike was a member of the Greatest Generation. A proud WW II Marine he served on the USS General O.H. Ernst in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He was with Easy Company, Second Battalion, First Regiment. In Okinawa he was shot and received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as Corporal from the US Marine Corps on April 5, 1946. He has since displayed a lighted flag in his window to show his dedication to keeping America free. Semper Fi. Mike joined the American Legion - Post 13, and served in many capacities from Business Manager to Concert Band Leader of the Dukes of Albuquerque. He dearly loved playing music with all of his fellow musicians every Thursday night at Posts 13 and 99. He was proud to have served his country in times of war and peace and to be the longest time member of the Oldest Continuous American Legion Band in the United States. He was also a member of the VFW, Albuquerque Musicians Local 618 and the Rio Grande Jazz Society. He loved his family most of all, Josephine Zownir; Linda Potts (John) and sons Brian (Maria), Chad (Mary Anne), and Ben; Madelyn (Katy) Zownir-Brazis (Tony) and daughter Valerie Brazis; and Melody Zownir (Jim Bess) and daughter Jesse and son Tyler. He was so happy to know all of his ten great-grandchildren Luke, Mark, Blaise, Illana, Charlotte, John, Michael, Jude, Helen and Isaac (Potts). He also thought of Helen, Diane, Michelle, Patti, Steve, Susan, Tom, George and Ron, and the Wixon family very often. He cherished his great friendships with special friends, co-workers at Sandia, members of the band and friends at the race track. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Lance Rudolph and staff for many years of the very best care through thick and thin. Thank you to the VA Home Based Primary Care Team, especially Mary Jo Hendricks, CNP, and team members Sherri, Nancy, Judy, Yuuki, Melanie, Gail, and Kathy. Thank you to Heritage for their caring support. Thank you to Ambercare, which was there in the nick of time. Thank you to all the friends he made and for all the music he played for 98 years. Thank you for your visits in the later years; your smiles and kind words made all the difference. He always had a funny story, a kind word, a generous heart, and a beautiful crystal blue eyed smile. Mike was a true, honest and brave gentle man. He'd always say MAKE THE MOST OF IT, and he truly did! In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one to listen to some music, perhaps dance, look at the stars and remember Michael. A celebration of Mike's life will be posted on the Riverside Funerals website at a near future date, and also in a future announcement. He will be honored at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a date to be determined. To share memories, please visit our online guest book for Mike at Riversidefunerals.com
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