Obituary of John Biazak

Albuquerque, NM- John Biazak 97, former Niskayuna resident died peacefully June 5, 2010 in Albuquerque,NM with his family by his side. Mr. Biazak was born May 18, 1913 in Auburn, NY, son of the late Constantine and Pearl Biazak. He was one of four children. John graduated from Auburn Technical High School. He continued to advance his education by taking college level courses in mathematics, physics and engineering throughout his career. Mr. Biazak was employed by the General Electric Co. for 39 years, retiring in 1978 as an Engineering Designer at the Knolls Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY. He was one of the pioneering group that developed the first jet engines at GE in Schenectady. He then transferred to the General Engineering Lab 1947. In 1956 he accepted a post with the Atomic Power Equipment Dept. in San Jose, CA, where he worked for 3 years. In 1959 he transferred back to Niskayuna to work on designing Naval reactors at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab. John worked on the design of torpedoes, aircraft, gas & steam turbines, and various mechanical and thermal equipment. He described his work at GE as challenging and stimulating, and enjoyed all the projects he participated in. Prior to his employment at GE, he was employed as a mechanical designer by ALCO in Auburn, NY, as well as by the Newport News Ship Building Co. in VA. In 1934 John joined the US Navy and served 4 years aboard the Heavy Cruiser USS Minneapolis as a Machinist Mate 2. John was a member of the G E Quarter Century club and the Dave Garroway club. He was a loving husband and great father. He loved to play golf and listen to Opera, Caruso being his favorite tenor. After retirement, he enjoyed visiting his children, working in his yard and tending his small vegetable garden. He also loved to watch the chickadees, finches and cardinals that flocked to his feeding stations. He imparted his love of everything mechanical to his twin sons. John and his wife Helen moved to Albuquerque NM in 2007 to be closer to their children. Mr. Biazak is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen, a daughter Cynthia Biazak of San Diego, CA, twin sons Dr's Gary J. Biazak and Robert A. Biazak of Albuquerque, NM, grandson Christopher John Biazak and 18mos. old great grandson Benjamin John Biazak of Albuquerque, NM and several nieces and nephews. Services at St. Helen's Catholic Church and entombment at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, were held at the convenience of the family.