Stanley Robert Pliska

Stanley Robert Pliska NORFOLK - Stanley Robert Pliska, professor emeritus of Old Dominion University, passed away peacefully Jan. 24, 2009, at age 91, in Mansfield, Conn. Dr. Pliska was born in Franklin, Pa., and was a native of Oil City, Pa. He was married to his beloved Winifred (Medygro) Pliska who preceded him in death Oct. 11, 1992. He attended and received degrees from Penn State University, Oberlin College and a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University. During World War II he served with the Air Corps in the Southwest Pacific and after the war with the USAFR, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. From 1946 to 1987 he was on the faculty of Old Dominion University, serving in turn as professor of history, chairman of the Social Studies department, and for 20 years, as Dean of the School of General Studies. For 30 years he was also a guest lecturer at the Arms Forces Staff College. During his active years, he was a member of several professional societies related to his profession. In Norfolk, he was also past president of the Northside Norfolk Rotary Club, Honorary Member of the ODU Alumni Association, Faculty Emeriti Association, American Association of University Professors, Polish American Society of Tidewater, and Town and Gown. When he moved to Connecticut, he was active with the Willimantic Rotary Club recording Club History and lecturing. Stanley is survived by his sisters, Ann Pudelkiewicz of Willington, Conn., and Mildred Parks of Vernon, Conn.; a niece, Ann Phillips and her husband Roger and daughters, Kelly and Kasey of Ashford, Conn.; a nephew, John Pudelkiewicz and his wife Irene "Rini" and their son Tommy of Tolland, Conn.; a niece, Judy (Zimoski) Kozek and her husband Robert of Grove City, Ohio; a nephew, Edward Zimoski and his wife Kathy of Virginia; a cousin, Irene Meyers of Oil City, Pa.; and relatives. Stanley graced us all with his Southern charm, quick wit, endless jokes and anecdotes. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of having him in their lives. Dr. Pliska was a parishioner at Saint Jude's in Willington. There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will he held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Philip The Apostle Church, Route 44, Ashford, Conn. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Oil City, Pa. Funeral arrangements are being made with Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic, Conn., and Reinsel Funeral Home in Oil City, Pa. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Philip the Apostle Church, P.O. Box 429, Ashford, CT 06278 or to the Willimantic Rotary Club, P.O. Box 104, Willimantic, CT 06226. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.