William Michael "Bill" Chwalik, Sr., 80, of Delray Beach, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 at his home following a courageous battle against cancer.
Born October 19, 1932 in Campbell, Ohio, he was the son of the late Ignacio "James" and Mary Burek Chwalik.
After graduating from Campbell High School, Mr. Chwalik received a bachelor of science degree in education from Youngstown State University and went on to earn a master's degree in education from Westminster College and an Educational Specialist degree from Nova University. He taught math for 30 years at Atlantic High School and Santaluces High School and served as a homebound instructor. He owned and operated Delray Driving School.
Among Bill's memories of teaching was the time his algebra students put a large shark in his driveway in order to keep him from making it to school to hand out a test.
Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church. He was also an avid golfer.
As the third son in an immigrant family, Bill had to put his education on hold in order to work in the mills and serve in the Coast Guard.
He was singularly devoted to his family, coaching his sons and their friends in a variety of sports, from baseball to BMX racing. He always had time to do something fun with his grandchildren, whether it was a trip to Lion Country Safari or his favorite bakery.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanne Rajkowski Chwalik; three sons, Edward Chwalik (Marsha) of Inwood, W.Va., William "Mike" Chwalik, Jr., (Marie Jose) of Tallahassee, Fla., Christopher Chwalik (Jennifer) of Bahama, N.C.; two brothers, Walter Chwalik of Miami, Fla. and Chester Chwalik of Fostoria, OH; two sisters, Sophia DeLuca of Greenacres, Fla. and Clare Salata of Youngstown, OH; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Edmund Salata.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach (N. Federal Hwy) from 4 PM to 6PM with a 4:30PM Scripture Service.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd.,Delray Beach on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at 10:30 AM. Graveside services with military honors will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407.