Robert S. Bob Kubiak

1926 - 2017

Robert S. "Bob" Kubiak, age 91, passed away peacefully, on September 10, 2017. Robert preceded his loving wife Geraldine of 66 years in death by 14 hours, as Geraldine also passed away on September 10, 2017. He was born in Erie, Pa., on February 19, 1926, son of the late Stephen and Sophie (Wisniewski) Kubiak.

Robert attended St. John Kanty Prep before transferring to Cathedral Prep, where he excelled in football and baseball and graduated in 1944. As a member of the 1943 All-City Football Team, Robert represented Prep in the 1943 Lion's Club Save-an-Eye Football game on the West Team. Upon graduation, Robert immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII for the duration of the war, and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army's Corps of Engineers. It was there he helped build supply routes through the jungles of India and Burma into China. Robert held the distinction of being selected to the honor guard detail for the funeral of President Roosevelt in April of 1945. He was an active member of the China-Burma-India (CBI) WWII Veterans Group.

After his discharge from the U.S. Army, he completed coursework at Gannon College.

Robert was a highly respected human resources executive in the greater Erie Area. Over his career, he was a Human Resources Manager for Talon Inc., Marx Toy Company, Penn-Union Corp., McInnes Steel Company, and Zurn Industries Inc., from which he retired in 1988. He remained active following retirement as a consultant and hearing representative in the human resources field.

He was a proud member and past President of the Northwest PA Personnel Association. He was also a member of the Miracle Mile Seniors Club and former city councilman for the City of Corry.

Robert was an active member of St. George Church, where he had served on the St. George Men's Council as a member and past president, served as Athletic Director for St. George School, and was a member of the St. George Golf League and the Men's Bocce League.

Robert enjoyed music and was an accomplished accordion and organ player. While serving in the U.S. Army in WWII, he had the honor of being selected to play in a military band for General George C. Marshall's 1945 July 4th celebration that was attended by General Douglas MacArthur. He played in several polka bands in the 1940s and 50s and played at many clubs in the Erie area.

Active in sports, Robert enjoyed golf and played baseball for many years in the Glenwood Baseball League and softball for various teams following his return from WWII. Robert volunteered as an assistant coach for Corry Legion Baseball, MYAA Little League and as a MYAA Baseball umpire. He was a member for many years at the Lawrence Park Golf Club and was an avid sports fan, being particularly fond of the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team, Notre Dame football and Cathedral Prep football.

He was preceded in death by a toddler son, Daniel; a brother, William Kubiak; and a sister, Betty Keiser.

Robert is survived by his brother, Edward Kubiak of Lexington, Ky.; sister, Dorothy Kuchinski (Edward), both of Erie; one daughter, Diane Kolaja (Mark) of Spartansburg, Pa.; five sons, David Kubiak (Natalie) of Erie, Dennis Kubiak (Joni) of Dover, Pa., Donald Kubiak (Denise) of Erie, Dana Kubiak (Paula) of Erie, and Douglas Kubiak of Erie; 14 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren, with number 11 due to arrive any day.

Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St., at Greengarden Blvd. Services will be held there on Thursday at 9:20 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

The family would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff at Walnut Creek Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Golden Living - Walnut Creek), as well as Aseracare Hospice Services. Their loving care for Bob and the family were such a comfort during his stay.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends making a gift to the Fund for Cathedral Prep, 225 West Ninth St., Erie, PA 16501. Condolences may be added at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.