Robert J. Niedzielski

Robert J. Niedzielski, age 85, passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021, due to complications from pneumonia. He was born on February 27, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan to Clemens and Evelyn Niedzielski. He is survived by Mary Ann, his wife of 63 years; his sons, Robert Jr. (Karen), John (Carol), Andrew (Peggy) and Michael; his grandchildren, Kathryn (Samuel), Steven, Patrick, Alissa and Benjamin; and his great grandson, Neil. He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline (Daniel), sister-in-law Germaine and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Maurice and Donald. Bob was a graduate of Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI) and received a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois. He started his teaching career at the University of Windsor and then joined the faculty at the University of Toledo in 1965 as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Bob's first love was teaching and he had the privilege of working with countless students over the course of his career. He also worked in a variety of administrative roles later in his career, including Acting Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs in the UT Provost Office. He was a friend and mentor to many in the UT community. Bob retired from UT in 1993 but continued to teach on a part-time basis for another seven years. He also participated in many external organizations, including President of the Alumni Board of Directors for Aquinas College, UT's representative to the Ohio Council for Higher Education Retirees, Board of Directors for Central Catholic High School, Board of Directors for the St Clement Credit Union, and various roles in the local section of the American Chemical Society. Bob was an active volunteer and supported Friends of the Toledo - Lucas County Public Library, served as a tutor with Read for Literacy and was a marshal at the Jamie Farr LPGA tournament. He enjoyed travel, baseball, bowling, playing tennis and all UT sports. A visitation will take place on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 3-8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo (419-841-2422). A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 10:30 am at St Pius X Catholic Church, 3011 Carskaddon Ave., Toledo, OH 43606. Inurnment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Read for Literacy or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Pius X Parish.