John Zdankowski was someone that Julia Sabo knew well enough to attend his funeral in October 1975. I don’t recognize this name at all and I addressed all her Christmas cards for many years, but it seems from the records I’ve found that Nana may have known the family for many years.

John was born on 30 August 1886 and died in October 1975 with his last place of residence being Garfield, Bergen County, New Jersey.

   
Prayer Card for John Zdankowski

Kamienski Funeral Homes was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Mr. Zdankowski was obviously of Polish background with the first prayer written in Polish.

I have a 1961 Passaic phone book, which includes Garfield. There is a John A. Zdankowski living at 180 Maple Avenue in Wallington listed. There is also a Mrs. A.J. Zdankowski living at a different address, also in Wallington.

The 1930 census shows John “Stankowski” with Veleza, his wife, and five children living on Maple Avenue in Wallington. This is probably the John who died in 1975. He arrived in the U.S. in 1906. His wife later went by Violet; she arrived here in 1909.  Their children were Sophie, born 1912, Rose, born 1914, Jenny, born 1917, Mary, born 1920 and son John, born 1928. All the children were born in New Jersey.

The “Zdamkowski” family was still on Maple Avenue in Wallington in 1940. John and Violet were at home with Rose, age 26, Mary, age 21 and John, age 12. Son John is likely the John Andrew Zdankowski born 4 December 1927 and died 5 July 1998 in Oradell, Bergen County, New Jersey. John Jr.’s Social Security application in June 1944 named his parents as John S. Zdankowski and Valarie Cierwiec.

There may be grandchildren or great grandchildren who would like to have this prayer card. If you are related or know the Zdankowski family, please leave a comment.