KONIECZKA DANIEL J., Sr. March 15, 1934 - July 18, 2018. After 84 years in service to his fellow man, Daniel J. Konieczka, Sr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his loving family. Dan waspreceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sheila (Sissy) Ellen Konieczka (McIntyre); he is survived by his eight children: the Honorable Daniel J. Konieczka, Jr. (Maureen Barrett), Mary Panian (Mike), Lisa Cerchiaro (Greg), Sheila Marie, Rose, Eric (Amy Watson), Jerry (Wendy Harbaugh) and Peter (Stephanie Naylor); Pap-pap will be fondly remembered by his 14 grandchildren: Cassandra, Luke, Ciara, Austin, Cole, Ethan, Jerome, Christian, Evan, Faith Rose, Therese, Emily, Clare and Monica. Dan's most recent favorite pastime was Sunday dinners, where he oversaw the preparation of dinner, most often spaghetti and secret recipe meatballs, and enjoyed the unending laughter of his children and grandkids at his Morningside residence. A lifetime resident of Pittsburgh, Dan was one of ten children to his late parents, Frank and Stella Konieczka, and is survived by his sister Betty Ann Echnat, and predeceased by Sophia, Isabella, Frank, Genevieve, Raymond, Dolores, Richard and Edwin. Dan's dedicated public service began in 1953 when he joined the United States Navy and actively served until 1957. During his time on active duty, Dan received many awards and commendations, including the "Good Conduct Medal" and the "National Defense Service Medal." Upon leaving active service, he transferred to the Navy Reserve, until his Honorable Discharge in 1961. His service to the public continued when, in April, 1961, he joined the Pittsburgh Police Bureau as a patrol officer. He soon found his passion when he became a member of the Pittsburgh Police K-9 unit, joining his four-legged partner, Duke. His career led him to become an assistant K-9 Instructor, and, eventually, the K-9 Instructor overseeing the training of a 50-member unit of officers and their furry partners. He protected and served the citizens of Pittsburgh for 26 years until his first cardiac arrest occurred while in the woods training several K-9 officers. During Dan's police career and into his retirement, his home in Morningside served as a sort of Grand Central Station, not only for his eight children, but for dozens of neighboring children, along with multiple family pets, including Prince, Kip, Mickey, Daisy, Buddy and Snowball. Dan earned the nickname "Dr. K." for his unorthodox-- but effective-- running hook shot during pick-up basketball games in the alley. Brother Daniel was 32nd Degree Master Mason of the Scottish Rite, serving as a Past Worshipful Master of John A. Brashear Lodge No. 743 Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. He was also a founding member of the Pin Club, an auxiliary of the Masons comprised of his brother members of law enforcement. The family mechanic and problem-solver, Dan always managed to eventually get the job done and made sure to leave a bit of himself behind, along with whatever tools his sons managed to keep. Even in the face of recent issues, Dan never lost his sense of humor and helped elevate the spirits of the staff and fellow patients at the Shaler Fresenius Kidney Care Center, often winning the coveted award of best dressed on their themed holidays. The family would like to sincerely thank the Pittsburgh First-Responders, the Shadyside Emergency and Intensive Care medical staff for their dedication in providing above-and-beyond care for our father over the past two-and-a-half weeks. Those who desire may make memorial donations in Memory of Dan to the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, Pa 15237-2700 or the South Hills Masonic Hall, 541 McNeilly Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. Friends received at the JOHN F. MURRAY FUNERAL HOME, Butler at 52nd St. Visitation Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Raphael Church, Monday at 10 a.m. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
