Obituary of Stanley A. Nowak

Stanley Nowak was born in Yonkers, NY on June 25, 1925 to Polish immigrant parents. He attended St. Casimir's elementary school and Yonkers High School. Stanley joined the military in May, 1943. He proudly served in the Navy Seabees 110th NCB construction battalion. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in the Marshall Islands at Eniwetok, Saipan and Tinian. His outfit constructed aircraft runways, including the runway where the Enola Gay, carrying the atom bomb, departed for Hiroshima. After the war, Stanley returned to Yonkers. On June 18, 1949, he married Mary Christopher, the love of his life. They settled in Yonkers and had four children, Carol Ann, Stanley, William and Robert. After the Navy, Stanley worked as an inspector at Habirshaw. On a whim, he took the test to become a member of the Yonkers Fire Department. He passed the initial test, as well as subsequent tests for Lieutenant and Captain. Stan thoroughly enjoyed his career with the YFD from 1955 until 1982. He described it as "the best job in the world", and YFD was his favorite topic of discussion, bar none. He would encourage any young man he met, including house maintenance workers, delivery people, etc. to take the test. His son, Stanley (retired Chief) and grandson, Bill (current Lieutenant), continued the Nowak YFD tradition. After retirement, Mary and Stan moved to Delray Beach, FL and enjoyed endless days filled with golf, tennis, bowling, and socializing with friends. It was the happiest time of their lives until Mary passed away in 2006. Stan continued to play golf and after some time became somewhat content, but he never fully got over the loss of his beloved wife. Whenever he spoke about her, he always said, "She was such a doll", while stifling a tear. For the last 3 years, Stan has resided in Texas with his daughter. Stanley is survived by his four children and their families: Carol Ann, Stanley (Eva), William (Cathy) and Robert. Five grandchildren: Christine, Maryann, William, Tim and Susan. Ten great grandchildren: Gianna, Evie, Roscoe, Wesley, Madeline, Emily, Ryleigh, McKenna, Vivian and Will.