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Robert Kalaski Obituary

KALASKI ROBERT J. KALASKI (Age 67) Of Lakeville PA, died Sunday, November 16, 2008 in Scranton, PA He is survived by his wife the former Christine P. Janesko. Also surviving are two sons, Robert Jr., Forest Hill, MD; Kenneth J. and wife, Meg, Silver Spring MD; a daughter Barbara Carlson, and husband Michael, Rockville, MD; five grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:15 from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, PA with Mass at 10 a.m. in Holy Mother of Sorrows Church, 212 Wyoming Ave, Dupont,PA Friends may call Tuesday 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Mother of Sorrow Church or the American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kalaski

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Charlie Williams

December 1, 2008

Bob was a good and faithful representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the union he loved and gave the best years of his life for. I was proud to be working with him as an active worker and in our retirement years and to know him as a friend and fellow member and representative of the IAM and the IAM retirees Rat Pack. His expertise in union newspaper publishing helped put the IAM on the map in union journalism. Bob and his good works will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Charlie Williams

a great memory of two good men

Kevin Cummings

November 30, 2008

Bob was the epitome of a gentleman, and a true labor leader. His lessons on message development and delivery have moved the causes of working people forward, and thousands of families in North America are better for his tireless work.

I count myself fortunate to have been his friend, to share in his great sense of humor and witness his kindness. He will forever be a part of the fabric of social justice.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, and all those who cared for him.

Kevin and Kathy Cummings

Michael Aupperle

November 30, 2008

From the Aupperle family to the Kalaski family our deepest condolences. It was a rare privilege and honor to just be in the same room with "BOB" Kalaski.We all of Maria's IAMAW retirees rat pak will miss his mentoring.
Mike and Barb Aupperle

Ron McGaha

November 30, 2008

Bob was a great mentor, supporter and friend and will be missed by his fellow "Rat Packers".

Karen Keiser

November 29, 2008

Bob was a great communicator, who helped all of us in the labor press do a better job. His energy, ideas and kind generosity were a great gift he gave so freely. My deepest sympathies to Bob's wife and family on their loss.

Jim Perry

November 27, 2008

Bob was an inspiration to everyone he had contact with.

We shared many good times together on ILCA business and two incredible weeks in the Soviet Union in 1985...

He was my mentor and very dear friend. I was privileged to work with him as one of the ILCA vice president's.

Heartfelt condolences to his beloved family and many friends.

May he rest in peace.

In loving memory,

Jim Perry, Editor
The Los Angeles Firefighter
IAFF Local 112, AFL0-CIO-CLC

Carolyn Jacobson

November 26, 2008

As IAM PR Director and ILCA President, Bob’s work provided large numbers of union members with accurate and timely information. Additionally, those of us who worked with him in the labor movement looked to him for leadership and wisdom, which he gave us so generously.

On behalf of all of us, know that we are eternally grateful to him.

I also write about the personal impact Bob had on so many of us. There are only a few “special” people who come along… and Bob is one of them. I know that he had a similar impact on many of my colleagues in the labor movement.

Bob was my friend, my mentor, my inspiration. I owe him a great deal. I never would have aspired to be president of ILCA after him, without his encouragement and continuing counsel. And long after that, he was always there when I needed guidance or moral support.

Much like Bill Clinton, when Bob talked to you, he made you feel like there was no one else in the room. A pretty amazing – and wonderful – ability!

Although Bob is gone, he will always be with each of us whose lives he touched. I will think of him often – and smile broadly -- as I am doing writing this.

Thank you so much for sharing Bob with us!!!

Tina Gebhardt

November 21, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to the Kalaski family during this time of sorrow.

Susan Phillips

November 21, 2008

Bob was one of the most positive, kind, and talented people the labor movement ever had. He was a teacher, mentor, and role model for so many of us in the labor press. Deepest condolences to the Kalaski family. He always will be in the hearts of the many union sisters and brothers whose lives he touched.

Greg & Mary Beth Kenefick

November 19, 2008

Dear Chris: I just learned of Bob's death. I know you two had precious little time together since retirement. Even though I haven't seen Bob but probably once since he retired, I'm going to miss him a lot. On behalf of Mary Beth and I, our deepest condolences to you and the family.

Carolyn & Donald Parry

November 18, 2008

We miss you, Dear Friend. To Chris and the family we offer our deepest sympathy. God Bless

Lori Pelletier

November 18, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the entire Kalaski family, Bob was a terrific human being and the labor movement is better off for all his work. The leaders of today's labor movement owe a debt of gratitude to your family for your sacrifices.

Christopher Steed

November 18, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss.
Big, long distance hugs to your family, from mine.
We love you.

John McDaniel

November 18, 2008

Mrs K, Bob, Barb & Kenny - I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of Mr K I will always remember his big smile and the great way he treated us "kids". He's a great man that will be missed by all that knew him.

Helen & Bob Harwood

November 17, 2008

We are so very sorry fo your loss. We send our deepest sypathy to the entire Kalaski family. Our thoughts and pryers will be with you during this most difficult of times. Fondly, Helen and Bob

Jessica H LPN

November 17, 2008

My heartfelt sypathy goes out to your entire family.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anne Archer (Higginbotham)

November 17, 2008

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Kalaski family at this time. You are all in my prayers.

Gail & Jon Lipman

November 17, 2008

Our sincere condolences to the Kalaski family. Bob's friendship, warmth, and humor will be greatly missed.

Barbara Theobald

November 17, 2008

We will remember Bob as a kind, thoughtful man with a great sense of humor and a wonderful outlook on life. He will be greatly missed.

Your friends at Clemleddy

The Staff of Mercy Hospice

November 17, 2008

The entire Staff of Mercy Hospice extends their heartfelt sympathy to Robert's family. May the peace of God surround you and bring you comfort.

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