George Thomas Kniska

BUCYRUS: George Thomas Kniska, 72, was called to be with our Lord on April 10, 2010, at his home in Bucyrus, OH.
He was born on March 7, 1938, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Sotak Kniska. On November 23, 1968 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he was married to Sandra Strong Kniska.
Tom graduated from Sacred Heart Preparatory High School in Girard, PA, and continued his education at Divine Word College, NY, where he attained an associate of arts degree in Latin and Greek. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy at St. Mary's College, Techny, IL, and then a master of arts degree in education at West Virginia University. His post-graduate work in various fields such as Ecology, Electronics, Biology, Education, Chemistry, English, and Classics at West Virginia University, Ohio State University, DePaul University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, Ashland University, Bowling Green State University, and Kurtz-Kash Electronics Center of Learning in Dayton.
His teaching career started in 1962-63 at Perkins High School in Sandusky, OH, teaching Latin and English. He then moved to McConnelsville High School in McConnelsville, OH, teaching Latin, English, and Science from 1963-66 and lastly from 1966-91 teaching Latin, Math, English, Biology, General Science, and Earth Science at Bucyrus High School. He retired April 1, 1991 due to a disability resulting from a previous car accident. While at Bucyrus High School, he was the Advisor of the Bucyrus High School Quiz Team for 12 years, recognized in Who's Who in American Educators and was active in the Bucyrus Education Association as Vice President, Representative at Large and chairman of the negotiations committee. Besides teaching he was also employed at Clarksburg Amusement Company and Hopkins Music and Vending in Galion, OH. In 1992, he was an author of the book Megalapsyche published by Northwest Publishing Co. Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tom was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a Life Member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Crawford County Retired Teachers Association, Moose Lodge #669 and a social member of American Legion Club. He enjoyed watching and listening to the Cleveland Indians, Ohio State Buckeyes and West Virginia Mountaineers.
Tom is survived by his wife; a son, John Walter Kniska of Mt. Prospect, IL; a daughter, Kara Sue Kniska of Kirkwood, MO; two sisters, Mary Diamond and Cecilia Davish both of Bridgeport, West Virginia; a brother, Nicholas Kniska and wife, Helene of Lanham, MD; along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Furbee; and five brothers, Michael, Andrew, Joseph, Daniel and William.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Ronald LeJeune as celebrant. Services will conclude with burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 Tuesday at the Wise Funeral Home with a Rosary service beginning at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Holy Trinity Catholic Church through Wise Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left at www.wisefuneral.com.