St John Kanty Preparatory School - Kantian Yearbook (Erie, PA)

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ATTORNEY FRANCIS T. NAGORSKI

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ATTORNEY FRANCIS T. NAGORSKI Attorney Francis T. Nagorski has passed from this world. Closely connected with Kanty through- out her forty years of existence, Attorney Nagorski was perhaps, the dearest and most loyal friend the school ever had. When, in 1909, the Saint Iohn Kanty College Association was formed to estab- lish a Polish institution in Erie, he drew up the act of incorporation and served as a member of the original Board of Trustees. From that time on, his interest in the ven- ture grew and he saw the dream in the minds of a few fervent pioneers transformed into an actuality-Kanty. He also acted as the legal adviser of the institution from the time of its incorporation to the end of his life. His non-mercenary nature forbade him to accept any remuneration for his valuable services. Born September 18, 1879 in Wiszyn, Poland, Francis T. Nagorski, at the age of Ri 1595 GU Naqnylgw Eoterc 'YL 06 ' Attolr MQW com 1,9 at me 19 nine arrived in the United States with his parents. The Nagorski family settled in Erie, Pennsylvania, where young Francis attended St. Stanislaus School. His fatherls death called him from high school at Or- chard Lake, Michigan, and he was forced to complete his secondary education at Central High School in Erie. In 1904, Mr. Nagorski graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, and set up his prac- tice of law in Erie. His knowledge of Polish history and cus- toms was profound, and, indeed, he was regarded as the foremost authority on Poland in Erie and the surrounding area. A great deal of Mr. Nagorskfs time was dedicated to the service of the city of Erie. He was elected to the city council for a two-year term in 1918 and served as vice mayor and finance director. The attorney acted as director of the Community Chest for two years, and was, for eighteen years, a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Erie. The last honor accorded him was his election to the vice-presidency of the Erie Bar Association. The attorney's eventful sixty-nine years of life came to a close at his home on Iuly 30, 1949. He had been in poor health for a year previous to this death. It will be remembered that Attorney Nagorski was one of the main speakers at the graduation ceremonies of 1949. In his address, he recalled the difficulties that had harassed Kanty in her early years and how she overcame those trials. As his closing words, the attorney, the last remaining member of the original Board of Trustees. urged Kanty to continue in the ideals and principles which have made her such a great institution. In your memory, Attorney Nagorski, Kanty, the school you so dearly loved, will always continue to grow and advance in these beliefs.

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