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Henry (Henryk) Andrew Bielat of Dunkirk, NY born November 29th, 1928 went home to spend eternity with his beloved siblings, parents, and the Angels and Saints on January 28th, 2020 after spending over a decade as a cherished resident of St. Vincent's Nursing Home and Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Mr. Bielat attended St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic School, Dunkirk Industrial High School, and as a young adult entered active Military duty during the Korean War. He was stationed in the European Theater in Germany and his home base was Wildflecken in Hanav, Germany from 1950 – 1952. A specialist in the 35th Transportation Truck Company, Bielat transported high priority and confidential war documents, commanding officers, and negotiators to undisclosed locations and conferences.
As a civilian after his tour of duty, Henry worked at Bethlehem Steel in Buffalo for five years and then spent the rest of his career at True Temper Shovel Corporation in Dunkirk. During his years at True Temper he was a line leader, shift supervisor, and quality assurance inspector. After nearly three decades at True Temper, family, colleagues, and friends enjoyed a festive retirement celebration for Henry, but that was not to be the end of his work career. Slightly bored after retirement, Henry became a Security Guard for Pinkerton Security, and ensured Point Gratiot visitors enjoyed family gatherings and outings. He maintained compliance with City of Dunkirk recreation laws and guidelines, including no alcohol, firearms, or fireworks on the grounds. Henry also patrolled empty manufacturing buildings, including Roblin Steel, Koch's Brewery, and Allegheny Ludlum.
A dangerous assignment, that Henry took great pride in, was the Pinkerton lead Officer at Love Canal during a federally and state funded toxic waste removal project. Family members were concerned with health risks to Henry during that time, but in his great swaggering way, he was confident that his own personal Polish Kryptonite style that he embodied, would keep him safe and toxic free.
Henry will be remembered for his great love of animals, sparing no expense for barn cats, stray dogs, and his own beloved pets. He regularly enjoyed hunting expeditions with his family, but never shot or killed a deer. He took pleasure in helping the other men spot deer and the camaraderie that existed during the trips, along with target practice.
He lived his life for his family, faith, and Polish traditions and customs. He experienced great joy and was humbled by being able to help others and was a self-sacrificing and honorable Veteran all his days. Henry was a proud Uncle to more than 20 nephews and nieces whom he spoiled continuously with gifts of money, trips for ice cream cones, and jaunts around the lake and throughout the winding country roads of Chautauqua County. An avid fan of music, his nieces and nephews will always hold profound memories of being allowed to choose one of the dozens of 8-Track tapes and play songs loudly with the convertible top down, while Uncle Henry was driving to a surprise destination.
As a retired gentlemen, Henry thoroughly enjoyed meeting other retirees at several local restaurants and conversing with waiters, waitresses, and small business owners. The Daily Grind once located on Fourth Street in Dunkirk was one of his all-time favorite establishments.
Henry Bielat left this earth peacefully after recently receiving the Sacrament of the Sick administered by Fr. Dennis Riter. His devoted niece and true Christian friend, Cindy Maslakowski, was by his side along with a Hospice team and dedicated CNRC staff who offered Henry the best of care throughout his last four years. Family members gathered throughout his final weeks to recite the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Surviving is his sister Dorothy (Wallace) Starwalt of Dunkirk, many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
In addition to his parents Martin and Mary Bielat, he was preceded in death by his sisters: Anna Mazurek, Bernice Bielat, Mary Logano, Agnes Rutkowski, Lucille Bielat, infant sister Christine, and four Bielat brothers: John, Frank, Walter, and Ignatius.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial this Saturday, February 1st, which will be celebrated at 11 AM in St. Hedwig's Church of Blessed Mary Angela Parish. Military honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk-Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bielat Family Scholarship at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, which awards monetary scholarships to eligible students attending Catholic Schools and Catholic Colleges.
Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.