Jacek "Jack" Haberek

Jacek "Jack" Haberek, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, died unexpectedly Monday night at his home. His companion of over 30 years is Ewa Anna Laczna.

Jack was born February 23rd, 1952, in Poland. He was the son of the late Jan and Zenona Musialik Haberek. Despite growing up in Poland Jack's first language was German as his parents spoke the language in their household. During his childhood he became very proficient in martial arts and upon graduating from high school he moved to Germany because of his excellent martial arts acumen and his mastery of the German language. While he lived in Germany he served in the German special forces. He went on to earn a master's degree in literature from the University of Wroclaw in Poland where he then worked as a translator.

Jack has traveled throughout the world. He has studied anthropology in Paris, and had lived in Africa, Spain, Peru, Hong Kong and Portugal, as well as England, where he taught many languages.

He then moved to the United States and settled in California, where he worked in accounting. He then turned his attention and talents to fixing exotic cars where he went on to own his own car repair shop. Due to the poor economy his car repair business closed, and he moved to New York City where he worked as a building manager.

He has published translations of medieval poetry in university presses in Wroclaw, Vienna and Paris; the Spanish newspaper "Ya" printed a series of his letters; and his translations of the poetic prose of Kurt Siegal had appeared in Poland.

Jack was of the Catholic faith and would take time out of his day for prayer.

Jack was a true renaissance man. He was the author of 10 books and was fluent in French, German, Russian, Polish and English languages.

In addition to his dear Ewa, Jack is also survived by his son Bryan George Haberek of San Francisco, CA; his great niece Natalia Swierczewska who lives in Poland.

He was preceded in death by his sister Christina Swierczewska; nephew Christopher Swierczewska.

Graveside services and interment will be held in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Saint Mary's Church Road, Ledgedale.

Father Stephen Bosomafi, pastor of the St Thomas More St Mary's Parish Community will officiate the graveside services.