Jaroslaw "Jarek" Wlodarczyk

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jaroslaw “Jarek” Wlodarczyk, age 51 on October 27, 2024. He began his life in Walbrzych, Poland on July 8, 1973. Jarek learned the English language and the ways of the west by listening to music and watching movies from the 1980s while in Poland, Germany and then finally New Jersey.  He earned a degree in mechanical engineering through Penn State University and started his career at Sony helping design, manufacture, and test the large TV tubes from the early 1990's that existed before flat screens.  He has since spent the last 23 years working for Medrad/Bayer on medical devices used in the radiology field. He finished as a senior principal engineer and spoke highly of his colleagues.

He was appreciative of the life he built with Shelby making a home in Lower Burrell and creating a family. Jarek was very proud of his two daughters and loved them dearly.  Both girls in their own ways are following his love of making things.  Ella will soon complete a degree in mechanical engineering and Meadow is working to obtain a degree in construction engineering & management. 

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Shelby (Perry), daughters, Ella (20) and Meadow (18), he is survived by his mother, Malgorzata Wlodarczyk (Metodi) of NJ, cousins, aunts & an uncle all from NJ, NC & Poland; and Shelby’s gigantic extended family (where he is especially remembered as the “fun uncle” passing out huge hugs to his beloved nieces.) He was preceded in death by his father, Jerzy Wlodarczyk, his grandparents, aunts & uncles.

Jarek enjoyed spending his time collecting knives, hiking with his family, wood working, watching & reading science fiction, and bicycling in the city with a detour to eat at Penn Ave Fish. Some of Jarek’s favorite memories include his glory days at Penn State, backpacking in Europe, and traveling with his family (minus Disney World which he is ok with “never seeing again”). He was known for his big hugs, large plates of food, unique style of dance, large laugh, particular turkey carving skills, and his constant eagerness to lend a hand. 

A memorial service will be held at The River 15068, 273 Chester Drive, Lower Burrell, on Saturday November 2 at 2:00 in the afternoon where his family is blessed to have an amazing church family.  Visitation will begin 2 hours preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The River E49 Youth Group https://ppay.co/ljlUwo7jNG8 or The River Benevolence Fund https://ppay.co/DhTxjUyGDzw.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. 
Psalm 62:5-8

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