Martin "Marty" Kolek

Martin "Marty" Kolek

Age 91, of Natrona Heights, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2017, at UPMC St. Margaret's Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born on January 23, 1926 in Natrona Heights, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Gaydos) Kolek. He was a lifelong resident of Natrona Heights. Marty graduated from Har-Brack High School, Natrona Heights and earned his Bachelor of Arts Business degree from the University of Chicago. He proudly served in the Navy for six years during WWII and Korean War. He served on the USS Worcester and was a First Class Radioman. Marty and his beloved late wife, Esther "Bubba" Marie (Grimpe) Kolek, celebrated 57 years of marriage. Together, they owned and operated Anchor Inn in Natrona Heights, establishing it in 1953. He was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights, Tarentum Veterans of War Post 5758, a life member of Citizen Hose Fire/Rescue/EMS, Natrona Heights, and was at one time an avid golfer at Brackenridge Heights Country Club, Natrona Heights. He also enjoyed playing cards, attending all of the USS Worchester reunions, traveling,and especially loved spending time with his family. In addition to his parents and his late wife, Esther, who passed away on March 15, 2014, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Kolek and five sisters, Milly Gavola, Verne Lavasic, Josephine Kernard, Mary O'Donnell and Anne Bosanic. Survivors include six children, Paul (Tracy) Ryan of Bend, Oregon, William Ryan of Pittsburgh, Robert Ryan of Ohio, and Joseph (Lois) Kolek of Lower Burrell, Dee Kolek (David) Graham of Natrona Heights, and Andrew (Susan) Kolek of Freeport; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation and services were private. Officiating was the Rev. Aaron J. Kriss. Entombment was in Mt. Airy Mausoleum, Natrona Heights. Full military honors were accorded to him by the Navy honor guard and the Penn Hills-Plum Veteran of Foreign Wars.

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