Robert Paul Czmiel

Robert Paul Czmiel, born October 17, 1932, passed away October 5, 2011 after courageously battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Robert (Bob) was the son of the late Mary (Spara) Czmiel and the late Paul Czmiel. He graduated from Trinity High School in class of 1950 and Graduated W & J College with a degree in Accounting. He was a very active member of Holy Trinity National Church, serving the church in many different capacities. He married his wife of 56 years, Mary L. Czmiel (Fritz) December 3, 1955. A natural athlete, Bob excelled in baseball, softball, dartball and golf. He was a member of the only undefeated football team in Trinity High School history, the 1948 WPIAL Championship Team. In 1950 he signed to play professional baseball for the St. Louis Browns. After breaking his leg he retired from professional baseball, but continued to play softball for many local teams, including the Fairmont Supply USSSA Industrial League National Champions team of 1974. Bob was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for baseball. He was also a member of many Holy Trinity Church Dartball Champion ship teams. And at a very young age he won the “Marble Championship” of Washington County (which he still spoke of often). He was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. He traveled extensively throughout Korea and Japan playing and teaching baseball and the English language to the Japanese people. After his discharge he accepted a position with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and was employed there for 10 years. He then worked for Fairmont Supply Company, where he was employed for 30 years and became a vice-president and retired in 1989. Upon retirement, Bob enjoyed many good years with his loving wife Mary and they traveled extensively. He also continued to enjoy sports and loved competing. He especially enjoyed hunting with his sons and golfing with his many friends at Highland Springs Golf Course. Bob also enjoyed country living, gardening, the Pittsburgh Steelers and loved polka dancing with his wife. Wishing to help future victims of Alzheimer’s, he volunteered to participate in an extensive UPMC Alzheimer’s Research Center led drug study to help fight the disease. He took part in the study for over 5 years and hoped his efforts would contribute to finding a cure. Surviving are two sons, William J. Czmiel and Kurt R. Czmiel, a daughter Kimberly A. Czmiel and grandsons Michael Dotson, Paul R. Czmiel, a granddaughter Rhonda Wilson and many great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister Phyllis Bell, brother in laws Robert Bell and Charles Turberville Jr., nephews Brian Bell, Barrie Bell, Robert Turberville and nieces Sue David and Linda Betsch. At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. A Memorial service will be held on October 15, 2011 at Holy Trinity Church at 11am. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Holy Trinity National Church, 605 Hewitt Avenue, Washington, Pa. 15301; or to the family.