Walter B. Stanek

Walter Stanek lost his lease on life May 7, 2011. He was born in the Hazleton area in 1931, a son of the late Barney Stanek and Mary Broton Stanek. He graduated from Hazle Township High School in 1949, where he was a three sport athlete and an honor student. He was granted three degrees from Bloomsburg State Teacher's College in 1955, Bucknell University in 1958 and 1961 and East Coast University in 1970. While at Bloomsburg he was a member of the Husky basketball squad. In 1955 he was hired as a teacher of Science and Social Studies and coached at the Millville School District. He remained in these positions for three years. His master's degree at Bucknell was in personnel services. Beginning in 1958 his assignment changed, one-half day in the classroom and one-half day to develop a guidance program and assume the responsibilities as a faculty manager of athletics. Another change occurred in the fall of 1960 when he was appointed high school principal with the understanding he became certified within one year. He returned to Bucknell to become certified in public school administration and supervision. He served as high school principal from 1960until he retired in June of 1986. During his tenure as principal he became affiliated with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, an agency which evaluates the status and progress of educational institutions. He became a chairman of visiting committees, serving in the states of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. One of the schools evaluated soon after became the subject of a book, "Lean on Me" which later was made into a movie which appeared on television. He also served as a member of the Middle States Advisory Committee for a period of six years. Upon his retirement he was awarded a citation for outstanding service to the Association. He was a member of the Millville entry in the North Branch baseball league from 1957 until 1970. He was a perennial selection to the league all-star team and received a special league award for achieving a batting average above .500 for the 1962 season. In 1990 he was approached by borough council to aid in the establishment of documents to provide for the orderly growth of the borough and update of its infrastructure. From 1991 to 1993 he served on the five member planning commission that prepared a comprehensive plan to act as a guide regarding the physical development of the borough, addressing existing problems and future needs. From 1996 to 1998 he was a member of a committee to develop a zoning ordinance for the borough. Following enactment of the ordinance he was appointed to the zoning hearing board and remained a member until January, 2010. He became chairman of the Millville Borough Municipal Authority in 1990 and remained at that position until 2009. During this span of time, the water and sewer mains were extended and expanded, an enlarged above ground water reservoir was established, a new sewer treatment plant, complete with a denitrofication system came on line and a new water treatment plant with membrane purification was established and is currently in use. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother John. He is survived by a son John Stanek of Middletown and a sister, Dorothy Stanek of Hazleton. Accolades to Margaurite for her medical acumen and thirty three years of loving companionship. Mourn not his passing. Tilt your glass to someone who tried. Services will be announced at a later time. Interment will be at the family plot in the PNCC cemetery in Hazleton. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army, to which Walt was a regular contributor. Condolences may be sent to the family at bunnellfuneralhome.com.