Witold Sulimirski exemplified the American Dream

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.

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 was held in Bronxville on Friday, April 22.
A Catholic funeral mass was held in Krakow, Poland, in the Church of Maksymilian Kolbe that was consecrated by Pope John Paul II with interment in the Knights of Malta Chapel.

Witold Sulimirski and Polish President Lech Kaczynski