Stories of Service - Peter (Iwanyuk) Johnson - Rochester, NY

Peter Iwanyuk served in the United States Army from February 25,1918, when he was inducted at Niagara Falls, New York, until he was honorably discharged on demobilization on December 6, 1918. Pvt. Iwanyuk was assigned to the 153 Depot Brigade at Camp Dix, New Jersey.

These fond memories have been shared with us by his son, Alex Johnson.

My father was born in the southern part of Poland in 1887 and from a very young age wanted to see America and earn money to help his family in Poland. In 1912, he was planning to make the voyage on the Titanic. His ticket money was stolen and he was forced to contact his father for more money. Many days later, he heard that on April 12, 1912 the Titanic sank and he would have perished and if so, I would not be here on earth as well, writing to you. After his discharge from the US Army, my father changed his name to Johnson when he started 3 different businesses—a bakery to the south of Buffalo, a candy store in Buffalo, and a Photography studio in Niagara Falls He eventually came to Rochester, New York, and worked at Kanapikas Bakery on Hudson Ave. and joined the Pulaski Post 782. He enjoyed being part of the Post for over 50 years. He was awarded a nice document by the Post, which I still have. He was active with my mom Stefania at St. Stanislaus for many years and when my brother Richard and I were born, we both attended the school there and we all enjoyed a good Polish life in Rochester. This is just a little bit about my Dad, Pvt. Peter Iwanyuk Johnson. After serving with the US Army, he used his talents and worked hard as a business man. Dad enjoyed a good life for almost 90 years. He passed away in Rochester, New York.