Obituary of J. Szymaszek

J. Walter Szymaszek of Niskayuna died on January 15, 2009 with his wife at his side. Walter was born in Bedzin, Poland and emigrated to Canada with his family as a young boy. He was educated in Niagara Falls, Ontario and received his BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto. Walter did graduate work at MIT and RPI. He received a Bronze medal and citation for his work on the Manhattan Project which he was awarded at a gala dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. He worked for a number of years at Union Carbide, Niagara Falls NY before accepting a position in 1960 in the Ceramic and Metallurgy Department of the GE Research and Devlopment Center. He held a number of patents. Walter was a member of the American Ceramic Society, past member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a member of the Presidents' Circle, University of Toronto. He was a 37 year member of the Schenectady Curling Club. In retirement Walter enjoyed traveling with his wife, good music, and reading. Walter is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Dorothy. Two Nieces: Betty Strupp (August) and Diana Fischer (Pierre). Nephew Stanley Madei, Great Nieces: Jennifer Melo, Claire Fluhr (Jeff), Helene Fischer, Great Nephew Chris Strupp (Jean) and he was espically proud of his Great Great Nephew Max Fluhr. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Walter's Life on Saturday, April 4, 2009, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Schenectady Curling Club, Balltown Road, Niskayuna. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Society, the Schenectady Curling Club or a charity of ones choice.