Obituary for Robert T. "Chick" Dansak
Robert T. “Chick” Dansak, 86, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, December 28, 2021. He was born March 4, 1935, in McKeesport, a son of the late Henry and Mary Dansak. Chick was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Daniel A. Dansak, CAPT, MC, USN-r of Alabama. He was married to his beloved wife, Jean, for more than 50 years, and is survived by two brothers, Henry (Aree) Dansak of Roslyn, Pa., and Fr. Thomas E. Dansak CAPT, CHC, USN-r of the diocese of Pittsburgh.
Chick is also survived by two sons, David S. Dansak (Julie) and Ryan L. Dansak (Gina) both of North Huntingdon. He had four granddaughters who he loved dearly, Katherine, Emily, Anna and Grace.
He graduated from Thiel College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and was the president of his Delta Sigma Phi fraternity for three years. While at Thiel he lettered three years as a halfback on the football team until injury sidelined him. Chick earned a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University.
He worked as a teacher for two years at Monongahela High School and 33 years at East Allegheny, where he also coached football, track and cross country.
He played the inaugural season on the Midget Football team in McKeesport, under Andy Jakomas, where his team had an undefeated season and won the league championship.
As a freshman in high school, he won the honor of “Mayor for a Day.”
Chick was a social member at the Hartford Heights Fireman Hall for more than 25 years, where he enjoyed many a “shot and a beer” with his close friend and neighbor, Paul Genes.
As a father he spoke frequently about family, loyalty and honesty. He more than once drove miles to return money to cashiers who had given him more change than he was owed. He attended nearly every sporting event for his boys regardless if they were home or away. He was—at once—their toughest critic and biggest fan. His boys hope to live up to his example.
Chick loved high school sports and would frequently attend football games with his friends, long after his sons graduated. He was integral in creating the Dansak Family Scholarship Fund, which rewards a graduating Norwin student-athlete with a scholarship for college.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Redstone Hospice Care who treated him kindly.
Friends will be received at the Ott Funeral Home Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, Irwin, on Sunday from 1 to 4:30. A brief blessing service will be held at the funeral home immediately following the viewing. He will be interred in a private ceremony the following day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to “The Dansak Scholarship Fund,” c/o Norwin School District Community Foundation, 281 McMahon Drive, North
Huntingdon PA 15642
Chick is also survived by two sons, David S. Dansak (Julie) and Ryan L. Dansak (Gina) both of North Huntingdon. He had four granddaughters who he loved dearly, Katherine, Emily, Anna and Grace.
He graduated from Thiel College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and was the president of his Delta Sigma Phi fraternity for three years. While at Thiel he lettered three years as a halfback on the football team until injury sidelined him. Chick earned a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University.
He worked as a teacher for two years at Monongahela High School and 33 years at East Allegheny, where he also coached football, track and cross country.
He played the inaugural season on the Midget Football team in McKeesport, under Andy Jakomas, where his team had an undefeated season and won the league championship.
As a freshman in high school, he won the honor of “Mayor for a Day.”
Chick was a social member at the Hartford Heights Fireman Hall for more than 25 years, where he enjoyed many a “shot and a beer” with his close friend and neighbor, Paul Genes.
As a father he spoke frequently about family, loyalty and honesty. He more than once drove miles to return money to cashiers who had given him more change than he was owed. He attended nearly every sporting event for his boys regardless if they were home or away. He was—at once—their toughest critic and biggest fan. His boys hope to live up to his example.
Chick loved high school sports and would frequently attend football games with his friends, long after his sons graduated. He was integral in creating the Dansak Family Scholarship Fund, which rewards a graduating Norwin student-athlete with a scholarship for college.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Redstone Hospice Care who treated him kindly.
Friends will be received at the Ott Funeral Home Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, Irwin, on Sunday from 1 to 4:30. A brief blessing service will be held at the funeral home immediately following the viewing. He will be interred in a private ceremony the following day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to “The Dansak Scholarship Fund,” c/o Norwin School District Community Foundation, 281 McMahon Drive, North
Huntingdon PA 15642