Robert E. Seleski

Robert E. Seleski, 88 years old, formerly of South Temple, died peacefully on October 17, 2014, in St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT. He relocated to Rocky Hill, CT in July 2011.

Born in Reading, PA in 1926, he was a son of the late Walter and Helen V. (Jasionowski) Seleski.

He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Kemmerling) Seleski in 1979.

At 17, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program. Upon graduating from Reading High School in 1944, he proudly served his country as a bombardier in the Army Air Corp.

Bob studied mechanical engineering at Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute and received his professional mechanical engineering license in 1959.

His career in the steel industry spanned over 40 years. He was hired by Birdsboro Steel Corporation in 1949 as a draftsman, promoted to project engineer, estimator and eventually assistant sales manager. In 1951, he was asked to participate in development of the first mills to roll uranium for the Atomic Energy Commission.

In 1982, he joined Danieli Corporation, steel mill manufacturer in Buttrio, Italy. He represented Danieli in the U.S. and abroad in both sales and consulting. Upon his retirement in 1993, he continued to consult in mill design and steel manufacturing throughout the U.S. He was a professional member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers and the Institute of Roll Design.

He was a master woodworker and craftsman, grew award winning roses and was active in Berks County trap shooting in his younger years.

Bob was a member of Masonic Blue Lodge 62, past president of the Muhlenberg Swimming Association and served on the Muhlenberg Water and Sewer Authority. In 1957, he served an elected term as Muhlenberg Township auditor.

He was a member of Holy Guardian Angel Catholic Church, Hyde Park.

Bob was a loving father to his two daughters, Dr. Liz Seidel, wife of Dr. John Seidel, Muncie, IN

and Alison, wife of Richard Oja, Newington, CT. He cherished three grandchildren, Jonathan, husband of Lauren Seidel, Mount Prospect, IL; Christine Seidel, Muncie, IN and Alyssa Oja, Newington, CT.

He is also survived by three nieces, Maxine Stump, Ocean Pines, MD; Rochelle Creamer, Timonium, MD and Deborah Ward, Nine Mile Falls,WA, and a nephew Roger Goss, Townsend, MD.

He was also predeceased by his siblings Max Seleski, Anna Goss and Angela Hepler.

A proud father and grandfather, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A true dog lover, he especially adored his daughter's golden retrievers.

We would like to thank the staff of Atria Greenridge Place, Rocky Hill CT, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, The Reservior Rehab, West Hartford, CT and Dr. Charles Minehart, Reading, PA for their professional care and compassion for which we are forever grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605. A viewing will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Kuhn-Stitzel Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name, may be made to: Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, P. O. Box 815, Hudson MA 01749-0815 or Holy Guardian Angels Church, at the above address, for a commemorative plaque to be placed in the church rose garden. Roses were very special to Bob and, as caretaker of that garden, he loved to see everyone delight in his passion.

For online condolences, visit www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com.