Paul W. Tabacek

1933 - 2021

Paul W. Tabacek, 88, of Allegheny Township, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, in his home. He was born March 22, 1933, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Mraz Tabacek, in Springdale, where he formerly resided. Paul graduated from Springdale High School in 1950, where he was multi-sport athlete, which came naturally to him. He played for Springdale in the Tri-County League and later for Oakmont for several years. His talent caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who invited him to Spring Training. He was an excellent catcher and worked out with the Pirates at home. Paul was also invited to several pre-game batting practices at Forbes Field, where he met and developed a close friendship with Roberto Clemente. Paul not only enjoyed baseball, but was an avid golfer, belonging to Willowbrook Country Club, and then Hillcrest Country Club for many years. He and his wife, Terrye, maintained a home in Naples, Fla., for several years, where they both enjoyed the game of golf and he was a member of Glen Eagle Country Club. Paul also enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading and spending time with his family. Paul was a member of Kiski Valley Presbyterian Church; VFW Post 92, Lower Burrell; and American Legion Post 868. He was employed by Gulf Research and Development in the chemical analysis division as an X-ray and other technical equipment operator, spending 33 years in his occupation. He was also selected to be a member of an inspection team. He traveled to Ireland to certify safety of Super Tanker Oil Carriers. Paul was a member of an Army Reserve unit that was called to active duty and was sent to Korea for two years. After his return home, he resumed his work at Gulf Research until his retirement in 1985. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Terrye Snyder Tobin Tabacek; stepchildren, Lori Tobin (Jeffrey) Chepkevich, of Mars, and Timothy Tobin (BillieJo), of Newport News, Va.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Joseph A. (Toni) Tabacek, of Natrona Heights; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Andy) Panian, of Natrona Heights, and Dorothy Jean (Syl) Jancech, of Cheswick. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Joseph Tabacek. Paul was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Private family visitation was arranged by the RUSIEWICZ FAMILY OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS, ARNOLD & LOWER BURRELL. www.RusiewiczFH.com.