Joe, you will be truly missed. It was great starting my day at IBM with you walking to the cafeteria to get coffee. I was glad that you came in early. We always had some good laughs and you had a greatway of looking at things. I know you will be truly happy now.

I worked with Joe for just a few years, but always on difficult issues. He always was professional with clients who respected his skills and abilities. My deepest condolences to his family.

I will always remember Uncle Joe as a gentle and kind man.  He along with his sisters were so good to my mother and I thank them for their visits to California.  Uncle Joe, you will always be remembered as a caring person, the world needs more people like you.

Mr. Polkowski,
Was a bold, stubborn, and ruthless when necessary...and I admired that about him. He was a great mentor with a rustic exterior encapsulating  a compassionate man. At the peak of our association, was a memorable business trip to Greenock, Scotland. We spent 10 days getting acquainted while working together...and at the end of each day, I would go work out at the gym while he worked out at the bar. Mr. Polkowski used to joke, "the best view of Carolina is in my rear view mirror"...well I can say for sure, many in North Carolina missed him when he left, and many more are saddened that he's gone.

Joe - You will be missed.  As a IBM new manager, you gave me a run for the money.  But once I proved myself to you, you were the best supporter and adviser.  :)  I was so excited for you when you retired back in Florida (- the state that you loved).  You were a role model for me about how to retire and enjoy life.  We lost track of each other recently, but you have always been in my thoughts.  I now pray for comfort for your family's loss.

I was very surprised and saddened to hear of Joes passing. He was a former IBM colleague in Manassas, Va.  But most of all he was one of my closest friends. I will carry the fond memories of all the grand times and adventures we have had over the many years I have known him.  I offer my prayers and sincerest condolences to his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and the many friends that know him. I will pray for the eternal repose of his soul.  He is our loss but he is heaven's gain.

So sorry to hear you are gone Joe.  I have many happy memories of our days in Manassas especially how you would sign your name backwards (Eoj Ikswoklop) for "Important" IBM documents.

Joe brought smiles and laughter to all his colleagues.  As a young engineer when I first met him,  Joe taught to me to focus on the important things in life no matter how much pressure work would bring forth.  My favorite memories of Joe include - clapping when we went through his midrange area in the PE lab ( to make sure us pizza box engineers didn't walk away with "borrowed" parts ), his lunch rituals ( lunch time was sacred. No work talk. We all walked as a group ) , and hearing him talk about his coming retirement in Florida; looking forward to the day he could see " North Carolina in my rear view mirror."  Thanks for the memories Joe!

Joe and I were both work and social friends. We spent many nights at Moog's Farm Tavern in East Fishkill, NY. We lost touch when I was transferred to Manassas Va. but I have thought of him often over the years.
Frank D. Jones

Joe was a colleague of mine from IBM in Boca and in RTP.  Because of our different jobs, I only got to work with him occasionally, on field issues, usually very stressful events.  I remember Joe to be nothing but calm, friendly, and jovial during those times, great to work with.  

I also recall he had an expression, at the end of the day, about the barn door or the pasture door opening, or was it closing behind him, meaning time to leave, wish I could remember his phrase.

I am saddened to hear the news of his passing.  My sincere condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  It was sad to hear.  Please accept my condolences.

Cheryl Voerman

It is so sad to hear of Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

I count myself as very fortunate for having the opportunity to work with Joe and to benefit from his knowledge and experience.

More important than work was getting to know Joe as a person. I fondly remember Joe's interaction with people, his observations and stories about life which even at this sad time bring a smile to my face.

Joe was always available to assist on difficlut issues and bailed me out a bunch of times. My sympathies to the family

My deepest condolences. I have great memories of Joe during my first year at IBM.

Although I only worked with Joe for a few short years, he was always a source of knowledge and inspiration.  May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I'm so sorry to here of Joe's passing. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. I enjoyed working with Joe for many years at IBM. Even in tough times, he would always have a comment to make or a story to tell to lighten the moment and make you laugh. We are all better off for having had Joe in our lives. Thanks Joe,

Joe was a down to earth person who always cut through the bureaucracy with a smile.  I always remember his wise counseling on quality and customer issues.  I am so sorry for the family to hear of his passing.   Our prayers are with you.

I was privileged to work with Joe in IBM and considered him to be a mentor and a friend.  Joe took me under his wing (as he did with many people !)when I was a young engineer working in IBM in Scotland and was a source of sound advice and wisdom.  Later on - I moved to RTP and was privileged to have Joe in my team.  
Joe was so well liked by the worldwide IBM community for his straightforward style, humor and genuine desire to do the right thing as well as his willingness to support and guide anyone who was willing to listen to him and he left a lasting legacy with many of us.

I was deeply saddened to hear about his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

 I received this unexpected sad news just yesterday, so sad. 
To Joe's family, please accept the sincere sympathy from me and my family. He will be missed, and we think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched inside and outside IBM...  Tu Dang & family

I have many great memories of Uncle Joe and am truly saddened by his passing.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and his friends.

OBITUARY

Joseph Polkowski

September 26, 1942 – May 16, 2011

Aycock Funeral Home & Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

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