Adrian Alphonse Zaiontz was born August 2, 1926, and was called to heaven on May 9, 2025 from the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veteran's home in Floresville, Texas at the age of 98. Adrian was born and spent his early years in Panna Maria, Texas, the son of Polish-speaking parents. He knew very little English until he attended second grade in Beeville, Texas. The family moved to Cuero, Texas where he grew up, attended high school, and spent the summers on his Uncle Anton Urbanczyk's farm. He learned to work hard and appreciate all the little things.

When he turned 18 in August of 1944, Adrian volunteered and was accepted into the Army infantry. He was deployed to the Philippines in January of 1945 as a member of a mortar squad. Having watched many of his friends and comrades die, he carried wounded soldiers to safety, and fought the Japanese from foxholes. He was discharged from the Army in January, 1947. Pride in the Army and his service lasted until his final days as he continued to wear his Army hat with his service pins.

The G.I. Bill helped Adrian return to school and complete a degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. While in University he met the love of his life, Mary Lukawitz. Mary identified with what Adrian had been through as she also served in the Philippines during the war with the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. Love and friendship blossomed. They married on September 1, 1949, bought a home in San Antonio where he worked for the U.S. Post Office for 32 years. This loving couple had five children, five grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Adrian had more than 50 first cousins and through their children he is probably related to half of south central Texas. Adrian published his life's memories in the book Only One Polack at age 92.

Adrian was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Mary Catherine, his brother Joseph Peter Zaiontz, who died in World War II, and his daughter Rev. Patricia Zaiontz Newcomer.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Visitation will begin at 4:30 P.M.

Rosary to be recited at 5:00 P.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Funeral Mass will be offered at 12:30 P.M.

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

1314 Fair Ave.

Interment will follow in

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors

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MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to

St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in San Antonio or

the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veteran's Home in Floresville through the Veteran's Land Board.