Col. Stanley Szapiel, USAF; retired in 1970 after serving during World War II, and two tours in Viet

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper

Col. Stanley Szapiel, USAF

As originally published on Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

Retired Col. Stanley Vincent Szapiel, USAF, 92, of Damascus and formerly of Bowie and San Antonio, Texas, died late Monday afternoon, Jan. 26, 2009, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Rockville. He was the husband of Mrs. Eleanor K. Easitus Szapiel, his loving wife of 66 years.


Born Aug. 30, 1916 in Rome, N.Y., he was a son of the late Vincent Stanley and Valerya Anna Swarz Szapiel.

Col. Szapiel retired from the United States Air Force in 1970 after serving during World War II, and two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. His last station was at the Pentagon where he served with the Office of Special Investigation. His duties at the Pentagon took him all over the world.

He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Damascus.
Surviving besides his wife are four children, Mary Ellen Whittington and husband Marquis of San Antonio, Texas, Susan V. Szapiel, MD, of Scotch Plains, N.J., Cecilia M. Williams and husband Bruce of Damascus, and Stanley Vincent Szapiel Jr. and wife Morgen of Golf Shores, Ala.; nine grandchildren, Sara and Seth Camm, Alex and Maggie Whittington, Nichole Williams and Alec and Sam Szapiel; and brothers, Tom Gniewek and wife Margaret of Camden, Tenn. and John Gniewek of Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sophie Wardzinski.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Rev. Joseph B. Pierce will offer prayers.

Interment will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at Arlington National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should plan to arrive at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the Administration Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Col. Szapiel's memory to his church, St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 9250 Damascus Road, Damascus, MD 20872.
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R.I.P. Sir