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Thomas C. Mroziak, former executive officer of the UB Department of Chemistry who was known for his strong work ethic and cheerful manner, died Aug. 20 in the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Cheektowaga. He was 62.
After 22 years of service to the university, Mroziak retired in 2007 because of a kidney-related illness from which he later recovered. He was later diagnosed with cancer, however.
Since arriving at UB in 1985, Mroziak proved a consistently valuable member of his department. He was instrumental, for instance, in the daily operations of his department, managing the administrative business and taking great responsibility during the planning of the Natural Sciences Complex, where the Department of Chemistry moved in the mid-1990s. He oversaw a complex departmental move from the South Campus in that process. Functioning as the chair’s chief staff member on matters relating to budget, space and facilities, he also supervised the support staff in the department’s electronics and glassblowing shops, the stockroom and the laboratory manager.
Mroziak also served as course scheduler and safety officer for the Department of Chemistry. In fact, he took his safety concerns beyond the university, often giving interviews to area media on how the public could better ensure its safety during the holidays and winter months, and offering tips for making homes safer in general.
“Tom was very appreciated in and out of the department for his commitment and work ethic, and for his jovial personality,” says Luis A. Colon, professor of chemistry and department chair. “He will be missed.”
Before joining UB, Mroziak was manager of manufacturing operations at Viatron Corporation in Grand Island.
A native of Niagara Falls and the 1965 class valedictorian at Bishop Duffy High School, Mroziak received his B.S. in chemistry with honors from Canisius College in 1969 and his M.B.A., also from Canisius, in 1971. He was active at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Grand Island, where a mass of Christian burial was held Aug. 24, participating in the folk group and the mission program.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Mary E.; a son, Michael; and a daughter, Mellissa Mroziak-Hartwick.
Donations in Mroziak’s memory may be made to St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, or Hospice Buffalo.
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