Family-Placed Funeral Notice
STEVE MIZERAK “THE MIZ” On May 29, 2006 a true champion departs Singer Island at the age of 61. Steve was a world renowned Billiard professional who started playing this very difficult game at the age of four while standing on a milk box in his fathers pool hall in Perth Amboy, NJ. His father, a State of New Jersey Pool Champion introduced Steve to the game that ultimately led him to become a World Champion. After graduating from Athens College, Athens, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, Steve became a full time History teacher in the Public School System in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. However, the love of his life held him like a magnet and in addition to teaching he continued to enjoy the Professional Billiard circuit having started that career at the age of thirteen. From that time forward Steve became so immersed in his chosen profession that led him to be named the World Pocket Billiard Champion three years in a row. While climbing to the top of the ladder Steve recorded and impressive record of over 100 First Place Championships having run an impressive 421 balls during one event. Installed in the Billiards Congress of America Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame, he cherished the recognition and respect of having been honored by these important groups. What Steve did for the game of Billiards is without parallel, he lifted the profession to heights never before achieved by becoming an icon in a world that before his presence was struggling to make a mark in society. He was not only a player, he was a teacher, a manufacturer a TV personality, movie star and was a trademark for the commercials of the Miller Brewing Company for many years. As President and designer for a company he formed to manufacture pool cues, he introduced state of the art designs for newcomers and professionals alike. His winning game list is simply too extensive to produce, suffice it too say he is what those who knew him well as “ a legend in his spare time”. Even after suffering from a debilitating stroke some years ago Steve was still on the top of his game, now as a teacher, having opened a upscale Billiard Lounge in Lake Park, Florida where he would spend day after day challenging amateurs to learn how to excel at the game. He became closely connected to the Seminole Tribe of Florida sponsoring his Senior Masters Tour at locations both in and out of Florida. Steve was never satisfied with being the best at his game, he sought to be a respected golfer and was a founding member of the Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, FL. In addition he had participated as a driver in harness racing events throughout the country. Steve and Karen are members of St. Paul's of the Cross Church, Singer Island, FL. Steve is survived by his loving wife Karen of 25 years, a stepson Matthew of West Palm Beach, two sons Peter of New Jersey and Stephen of Pennsylvania and granddaughters, Karen of West Palm Beach and Amanda residing in Pennsylvania an Aunt Sister Bernice Marie of New Jersey and a dear family friend Christine Schumacker. Mass of the Resurrection 10 A.M. on Friday, June 2, 2006 at St. Paul of the Cross, 10970 Highway A1A, North Palm Beach, Fl. Arrangements entrusted to HOWARD-PRICE Funeral Home. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Published in The Palm Beach Post from May 31 to June 1, 2006
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