The Bak

The Very Rev. Boleslaw R. Bak, 95, a priest who had served a Berks County parish, passed away Decmeber 6, 2010 at 12:35 pm in Berks County Home-Berks Heim. Rev. Bak served St. Stephen's Polish National Catholic Church(PNCC) from 1974-1982. Prior to coming to Reading, he served as assistant to the late Prime Bishop Francis Hodur at St. Stanislaus Cathedral Parish in Scranton, PA and St. Joseph's Parish in Irvington, NJ for 28 years. While in Irvington, Rev. Bak was elevated to the rank of senior priest and became the Administrative Dean of the New York-New Jersey Seniorate in June of 1966. He also served after retirement as Chief Chaplain of Spojnia Manor, an institution of the PNCC in Waymart, PA from 1993-1995. Rev. Bak was ordained into the priesthood on Decemeber 21, 1944 by Prime Bishop Hodur. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Rudolf and Victoria (Niszczak) Bak. He was a graduate of Oratorians Seminary in Poland and the Jerome Savanarol Seminary in Scranton, PA. Rev. Bak also also served on the board of the Supreme Council of the PNCC and was a representative to the Sponjnia Fraternal and Insurance Organization from 1946-1982. He also served as director of all church publications for the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1950 Rev. Bak was honored by the state of New Jersey and in 1984 by the Pennsylvania State Legislature for his work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 55 years. Rev. Bak was married to Lorine (Harpel) Waszkiewicz. His first wife, Marie A. Gorgol (Pron) Bak passed away in 1992. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Constance A. Bak of Richmond, VA, Robert R. Bak of Wyomissing, Cindy M. (Waszkiewicz) wife of James Whitehead of Flying Hills, Jody C. (Waszkiewicz) wife of Daryle Witman of Robeson Township and Barry S. Waszkiewicz and his companion Gerry Edress of Robeson Township. Also surviving are his grandchildren Alexander J. and Chelsea A. Bak, Ashley Waszkiewicz, Colin husband of Laura Waszkiewicz and Kyle Waszkiewicz. In addition he is survived by his sisters Michelena Moskwa of Princeton, NJ and Victoria Klutas of New York City.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Rev. Bak's name to the Humane Society of Berks County 1801 North 11th street Reading, PA 19604, SPCA, or other animal shelters in Reading or Richmond, VA or to the "Medical Bridge to Pola