Robert F. Polak

Robert F. Polak, age 90, of Erie, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023. He was born in Johnstown, PA on February 19, 1933 a son of the late John J. and Frances (Garec) Polak.

After graduating from Ferndale High School in Johnstown, Bob received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  He then worked briefly for Sunbeam Corporation in Chicago before being drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the Medical Corps at Fort Knox, KY. In 1958, he began his career with GTE (now Verizon), retiring as Vice President & General Manager of Pennsylvania operations in 1993.  Bob attended St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and was a former member of Lake Shore Country Club and the Rotary Club. He was an avid golfer, traveled extensively and enjoyed gardening and reading. A man of seemingly boundless energy, Bob approached all of life’s professional and family challenges with his characteristic good nature and positive outlook.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dolores (Hlivko) Polak, son John Polak, daughter Kathryn Polak, brothers John Polak, Charles Polak and James Polak and sisters Frances Polak and Veronica (Polak) Tedrow.

Survivors include a son, Robert Douglas (Imelda) of Grapevine, TX and two granddaughters, Emily Douglas (Kevin Ross) of Bellingham, WA, and Lindsay Egan (Trevor) of Denver, CO.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to Saint Mary’s Home at Asbury Ridge for the attentive care provided over the previous year.

Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brownstown on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11:00AM, Father Mark S. Begly. Burial will immediately follow in Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown.

Arrangements in Johnstown entrusted with the Duca Funeral Home, 1622 Menoher Blvd.

Memorial donations may be made to United Way of the Laurel Highlands.

For online condolences please visit www.ducafuneralhome.com

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