Witold Sulimirski
Witold Sulimirski exemplified the American Dream
May 18, 1933 – February 10, 2016
International Banker and Financier, Servant Leader and Philanthropist, Catholic Family Man
Witold’s professional and charitable endeavors brought him to the attention of the governments of his homeland and his adopted country. In recognition of his professional work and his philanthropic endeavors working with President Lech Walesa and other leaders, he received the Commander’s Cross of Merit and Officer’s Cross of Merit from the Republic of Poland; he received invitations to the White House by Presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush; and,
he earned the Grand Cross of Obedience and Honor from the Knights of Malta.
Born in Lwow, Poland, and smuggled out of Poland at the end of World War II, he was educated at Cambridge University and earned a Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Strasbourg. He emigrated to the United States in 1957 and worked as a banker for Irving Trust Company in New York, with postings to Beirut, London, and Frankfurt. After 32 years, he retired in 1989 as Senior Executive Vice President.
Witold advised business development of banking systems in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and, eventually, in Poland, counselling sheiks, presidents and many prominent business leaders worldwide. Assignments included financing of development in the Arabian desert before the oil boom and opening Irving Trust branches in Beirut and Frankfurt. He presented and participated in many conferences, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and with Zbigniew Bzezinski’s Center for Strategic & International Studies.
Upon his retirement from the bank, which coincided with the Solidarity Movement in Poland, Witold Sulimirski spearheaded the coalition to create Amerbank, the first international bank in post-communist Poland. Subsequently, at the behest of the White House, he served as Executive Director of the USAID financed American Investment Initiative which encouraged and facilitated US investment in Poland. Witold advised and assisted over 100 companies with strategy and operations. He consulted for Polish and American companies, Poland’s Ministry of Privatization, and as a board director of various international banks, as well.
Among Witold’s volunteer activities, which included the National
American-Arab Affairs Council, he served as Director of the Middle East
Policy Council, Director of Bicentennial Publications, Chairman of Polish Assistance; Treasurer of the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences, Chairman of the Kosciuszko Foundation; and Treasurer of the Polish Knights of Malta.
Upon arrival to the USA, Witold joined the National Guard and served as Staff Sergeant until 1963.
Tragically, Witold succumbed to Alzheimer’s on Feb. 10, 2016. He is survived by Teresa, his wife of 58 years; three children: Ela Landegger (Cary), Adam (Diane), and Edward (Edwina); nine grandchildren and two brothers.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Bronxville on Friday, April 22.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held in fall near Krakow, Poland, in the Church of Maksymilian Kolbe that was consecrated by Pope John Paul II with interment in the Knights of Malta Chapel.
The Kosciuszko Foundation has set up a building fund in this honor. 15 East 65 Street, NY, NY 10065.
Alternatively, donations may be made to the Polish Knights of Malta.
Shorter version
WITOLD SULIMIRSKI May 18, 1933 – February 10, 2016
International Banker, Polish Civic Leader and Philanthropist, Catholic Family Man
Witold Sulimirski died at 82 on February 10, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Poland in 1933, educated at Cambridge University and University of Strasbourg, he emigrated to the USA in 1957. As an International Banker specializing in the Middle East and later in post-communist Poland, Witold also served as Treasurer, Director or Chairman of numerous charitable and educational organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Teresa, Ela Landegger (Cary), Adam (Diane)
and Edward (Edwina) and their nine grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Bronxville, NY on April 22.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held later in the year near Krakow, Poland, in the Church of Maksymilian Kolbe that was consecrated by Pope John Paul II with interment in the Knights of Malta Chapel.
The Kosciuszko Foundation has set up a building fund in this honor. 15 East 65 Street, NY, NY 10065
Briefest version
FOR NEW YORK TIMES
SULIMIRSKI, Witold 5/18/33 – Feb. 10, 2016. Beloved husband of Teresa and father to Ela, Adam and Eddie. Celebration of Life, Friday, April 22 in Bronxville, NY. Catholic Funeral to follow in Poland. A fund is set up in his honor at the Kosciuszko Foundation.
Witold Sulimirski receiving the Commander’s Cross of the Republic of Poland from President Aleksander Kwasniewski
September 16, 2005
Witold Sulimirski and Polish President Lech Kaczynski
Witold and Teresa Sulimirski 2007 50th Wedding Anniversary Year
Photo credits:
Witold Sulimirski and President Reagan, courtesy of the White House Witold Sulimirski and Polish leaders, personal photos
Witold Sulimirski and PopeJohn Paul II, copyright
L’Osservatore Romano Citta del Vaticano Servizio Fotografico Arturo Mari
