Ronald J. Polak

1935 - 09

Ronald J. Polak, 77, of North Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of McKeesport, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at his home. He was a longtime McKeesport music educator. Ron was born Sept. 1, 1935, in McKeesport, to John and Emma Polak. He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1953, before attending St. Vincent College where he received his Bachelor of Music Education in 1957. He immediately began his career with the McKeesport Area School District as a music educator and music coordinator. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University in 1959. Mr. Polak was past president of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and the St. Vincent Alumni Association. An avid basketball fan, he often could be seen running the scoreboard at high school basketball games, something he continued to do until the time of his death. After 36 years of service, he retired from MASD in 1993. In 2006, he and his wife moved to Nevada to be closer to their daughter. As per his wishes, Ron was cremated after his funeral Mass, which was held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in North Las Vegas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Vera; his daughter, Karen; and his brother, John, of North Ridgeville, Ohio. The family is having a memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2014, in the crypt inside the Basilica on the St. Vincent College campus at 300 Purchase Road, Latrobe for those who wish to pay their respects. Ron's ashes will be placed in the new mausoleum at St. Vincent once construction is completed. A Class of 1957 Scholarship has been established at St. Vincent College by his fellow Bearcats to remember not only Ron, but all of the Class of 57. Donations in his remembrance should made out to: Class of 1957 Scholarship and sent to Anthony Cancrow, Director of Individual Giving, St. Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650.