Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
On March 7, 2023, Roman Szyjka of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully. He was 77 years old.
Roman was born in Srebny Borek, Poland. As a young child, he and his family immigrated to the United States from Poland aboard the ship MS Batory. Roman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from the University of Baltimore, School of Business Industry and Management.
Roman began his career as a Machinist with Ward Machinery. He later joined Northrop Grumman (formerly Westinghouse Electric) as a Manufacturing Engineer. In his over 30-year career with Northrop Grumman, he supported many critical programs of national importance including the MK-48 Advanced Capabilities guided submarine-launched torpedoes.
Roman was an avid boater and loved spending time on the Chesapeake Bay. He served as Commodore of the Middle River Yacht Club in 1996, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Key Yacht Club, and a member of the Chesapeake Commodores Club. Roman’s favorite place was at the helm of his boat.
Roman and his wife, Paula enjoyed many adventures over the course of their 25-year marriage. In addition to boating, they enjoyed traveling the east coast on their motorhome from Niagara Falls to Key West and so many places in between. They established homes in Delaware and Florida and made many wonderful friendships along the way.
Roman was the proud father of two children, David and Marcia, and Dziadzi (grandfather) to Sofia and Stina.
Roman lived his life to the fullest. He instilled the value of hard work in his family. He overcame many challenges over the course of his life including a life altering brain tumor diagnosis. Roman embodied fortitude and tenacity. Those are the traits that powered his brain tumor recovery and gave him 13 years of beautiful life experiences after his diagnosis.
Roman was predeceased by his parents Edward and Wanda Szyjka, his brother Thaddeus Szyjka and his sister Martha Szyjka.
Roman is survived by his wife, Paula Szyjka of Vero Beach, FL; his son, David Szyjka (Kristin) of Baltimore, MD; his daughter, Marcia Nystrom (Torbjorn) of Fairfax, VA; his granddaughters, Sofia and Stina Nystrom of Fairfax, VA; his sister, Helen Bender of Baltimore, MD; his sister, Christine Wroten (Curtis) of Port Charlotte, FL; his brother-in-law, Carmine Cianchetta (Susan) of Easton, MD; his brother-in-law, Joe Cianchetta (Eva) of Chester, MD; and many cherished extended family members and dear friends.
A celebration of life will be hosted at a later date in Baltimore, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Roman to the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery Charitable Foundation or the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Marcia Nystrom
March 9, 2023, 5:35 pm
Family and friends of Roman are invited to honor his life on Tuesday, June 6th. Visitation will be 9-10am at Kaczorowski Funeral Home P.A., 1201 Dundalk Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21222. Memorial service at 10am. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery.
Rich B and Paula F
March 9, 2023, 5:57 pm
This is a beautiful tribute to a man who truly loved and lived life. As his Delaware neighbors, we often saw Roman walking in the afternoon with his little dog Ginger. He would stop to chat or wave a hello if we were outside. He and Paula were wonderful neighbors. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Always in our hearts.
Gloria Geiger
March 9, 2023, 6:08 pm
Roman, was an amazing person and a wonderful friend along with Paula in our Baypointe community. I will cherish their support when David passed away. I will be there for Paula in any way I can. Luv Gloria
Bonita Horne
March 9, 2023, 6:18 pm
Roman was one of a kind. He loves to have fun and was fun to be around. He was the1st member to greet me and my crew (all females) when I brought Jusduit to MRYC at 3am over 30 years ago. We were a Motley crew and have many cherished memories. Love you Roman, say hi to Gus.
Lena Liberale
March 9, 2023, 7:05 pm
This is so hard to believe and so very sad. Roman was a genuine, caring and fun-loving soul. His courage during his treatment and recovery is an inspiration for the ages. I will always cherish the time he and Paula visited us when they came to Niagara Falls. Hold on to the many wonderful memories Paula and family. “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” May flights of angels greet him in heaven.
George Junkin
March 9, 2023, 8:02 pm
So sorry for you loss. I enjoyed working with Roman at the Oceanic Division. I will miss his comments on Facebook.
Tony and Marcy Szyjka
March 9, 2023, 8:12 pm
So sorry for your loss. Have many fond memories with Roman, especially on the waters of the Chesapeake bay.
sharon nichols
March 10, 2023, 3:28 am
He was a special man. It was a privilege to know him.
Lara Green ( Basia’s daughter)
March 10, 2023, 5:18 am
I’m saddened to hear the news of Roman’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and I hope you rejoice in the memories of a dear man.
Jerry Cramblett
March 10, 2023, 11:41 am
Roman was such a great presence in the yacht club community because he was so friendly. He will be fondly remembered.
RON LIPPA
March 10, 2023, 4:29 pm
ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE MIDDLE RIVER YACHT CLUB THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF OUR PAST 1996 COMMODORE ROMAN SZYIKA. ON A PERSONAL NOTE I HAVE KNOWN ROMAN SINCE 1963,
CHAPLAIN RON LIPPA
Debi and Joe (friends of Chris and Curtis)
March 10, 2023, 4:32 pm
This is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to commemorate and remember your brother Roman. What a wonderful blessing to have shared a lifetime of experiences with him. May time, love, family, and friendship help in getting through the pain of your loss. We are sending our love and prayers your way. Our deepest condolences.
Robert Graham
March 10, 2023, 5:42 pm
Roman’s Family…Sorry For Your Loss…
For WEC/NGC Family…Sorry For Our Loss…
Roman “Ray” and I worked a lot of Main Building Programs together…LWWAA…ADCAP…SLSs in General…We had trouble with some acousticians but made the hardware work “just fine”…Again, Sorry For Our Loss…
Beverly Young
March 11, 2023, 2:17 am
Paula , so sorry to learn of Roman’s passing. We were “neighbors “ for a short time on Spaniard Neck Road & of course on FB. A very courageous individual & will be missed by you & his family & all that knew him. God Bless & take care.
Bev
Milton Hogeboom
March 11, 2023, 7:35 am
Rest easy my friend.
Jeanette Bacon
March 12, 2023, 4:58 pm
Sending heartfelt condolences. May your many treasured memories of Roman bring you comfort and peace.
Catherine Szyjka
May 3, 2023, 1:47 pm
Sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. Thinking of you all.