An icon and darling in the Polish community, and a survivor of one of the most horrific atrocities in human history will retire the from Polish music program, Polonaise, on WIBX 950.

Julian Noga, now 94 years young, has hosted and produced the two hour Sunday morning show for nearly a quarter of a century.  He will present his final broadcast on Sunday, August 17, 2014.

Mr. Noga, along with his son Richard - who handled the English translation of sponsors and announcements - informed WIBX of their intent to retire earlier this month.

''Julian is an amazing man, and I consider it an honor just to know him and feel lucky to have worked with him. Just like the happy upbeat music he plays each weekend, his smile is infectious. I've never met or spoken with him and not walked away with a smile on my face,'' said WIBX Program Director and Brand Manager Jeff Monaski.

Julian's incredible personal story reaches far beyond the airwaves of WIBX 950. As documented in the book 'The Courtship of Julian and Frieda', by Krista Perry Dunn, Julian and his future wife Frieda were imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps as punishment for their forbidden love, as relationships between Poles and Austrians were outlawed.

Both survived and reunited, then married and emigrated to the United States. They started a family, having two children - Richard and daughter Frieda -  and later started a family business, which continues today - Lincoln Jenny Memorials.

photo provided by Noga family
photo provided by Noga family
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Airing since 1930, Polonaise is the longest running Polish-American radio program in the United States. It endured format changes, multiple station owners, managers and personalities to entertain generations of central New Yorkers.

UPDATE: WIBX is proud to announce the tradition of the Sunday morning Polonaise show, which airs from 8:00 to 10:00 am, continues with new host Lydia Cervo.

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