Obituary of Robert Hiszak

Robert Carl Hiszak Jr. was the second of six children born to Robert Carl and Ruth (Trapp) Hiszak in Toledo, Ohio on January 25, 1961. He graduated with the class of 1979 from Catholic Central and enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lithographic Printer, serving his country honorably during the Grenada Conflict. Bob, as he was known, was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Erie. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus Council #7413, Men's Auxiliary of V.F.W. #3925 of Erie, and American Legion #0193 of Luna Pier. He was a faithful blood donor for the American Red Cross. A loving son, brother, and uncle, Bob cherished fishing at Bear Lake with his beloved dog, "Huey". An avid sports fan, friends and family would gather at his home to share in his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. Bob loved the holidays; especially Christmas, dressing as Santa Claus, to the delight of his nieces and nephews. Robert Carl Hiszak Jr, age 53 of Erie, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his home. His passing was preceded by his paternal grandparents: Julius (Cornelia) Hiszak; his maternal grandparents: Edward (Lilian) Trapp; a sister: Kay Lynn Hiszak; and a sister-in-law: Cynthia Hiszak. Bob leaves his beloved parents: Robert C. (Ruth Hiszak Sr.; three sisters: Ann Dugan (Russel Cousino) of Erie, Cathy (Tony) Granata of Ottawa Lake, and Janelle (John) Pickard of Hillsdale; a brother: James Hiszak (Kelly Caris) of Temperance; and twelve nieces and nephews that he thought the world of. In Celebration of Bob's life, we will gather on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street from 2:00 pm until military honors at 6:45 pm. A Rosary Service will follow at 7pm on Monday. He will lie in state from 11:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan in Erie with Father David Cybulski officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the family, and will be distributed amongst Bob's numerous affiliations. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.