Peter John Szmurlo

Peter J. SzmurloClemson, SCPeter John Szmurlo of Clemson, passed away on February 19, 2016 at the AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson, SC.Born on January 14, 1930 in Lublin, Poland, he spent his adolescent years in a country battered by World War II. After receiving his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Cracow University of Technology, he successfully pursued his career in Europe and the United States. Serving as the long-term president of Airtechnica Inc. in New York City, he provided industrial consulting for Ebasco, Foster Wheeler and the US Navy, among many others.During his retirement in South Carolina, he enjoyed the lake life with his family and beloved dachshund, Shorty. An avid traveler, football and soccer lover, he also became a master of competitive bridge. Over his last eighteen years he battled serious illnesses and underwent multiple surgeries; his courage, drive to live and incredible resilience never failed to impress his family, friends and medical teams.He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karyna Szmurlo, his two sons and daughters-in-law: Patrick and Breann Szmurlo of Easley, SC and Gregory and Rachel Szmurlo of Hampton, SC, as well as his grandchildren: Kasia Szmurlo of New York City and the twins, Desmond and Levi Szmurlo, of Hampton, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Piotr and Wanda Szmurlo of Warsaw, Poland, and more recently, by his son Peter Szmurlo Jr, MD, of Pensacola, Florida.Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the family. A private memorial service will be held at a later date at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SC Botanical Gardens at Clemson University in memory of Peter Szmurlo at http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/support/tributes.html.Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com.