News

Proud father: 'You're really going to like him'

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

"A good boy," "devoted grandson" and "not just a good student, but an 'A' student."

That's how Stanley Zubik describes his son, Bp. David Zubik, as a kid growing up in Ambridge, Pa. His admiration for his son continues as Bp. Zubik becomes the 11th bishop of the Green Bay Diocese.

"I'm so proud of him," said Stanley. "You're really going to like him. He's going to be one nice person to deal with for the young and old, rich and poor. He cares about people. He's always been that way."

	Bishop David Zubik's Installation as 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay
	• New bishop taking office at Mass on Friday     The ceremony will be broadcast live on both     radio and television     • Sidebar: New bishop     • Sidebar: Setting priorities • Bp. Zubik's schedule for Dec. 11-24 • Bishop eager to start serving Green Bay church     Bp. David Zubik wants to work with priests,     laity to satisfy the hunger for God     • Sidebar: Getting to know him • How a bishop takes charge • Foundations of Faith -- The clothes don't make, but they explain, a bishop • Editorial -- New leader     Bp. David Zubik comes highly recommended     and he wants to get to know all of us Past coverage:    November 21, 2003 issue:      • Pittsburgh planning farewell Mass for Bishop Zubik Sunday    November 14, 2003 issue:      • Visits scheduled for bishop         Bp. Zubik planning visits to Manitowoc,         Antigo, Marinette, Green Bay and Appleton    November 7, 2003 issue:      • Bp. Zubik to be installed Dec. 12 at St. Agnes         The 2 p.m. Mass will be shown live on         Green Bay channel 11    Other coverage:      • Links to Oct. 10 and Oct. 17 Compass coverage of new Bishop

While he is excited about his son's new position, Stanley admits the news was "bittersweet." Bp. Zubik is his parents' - Stanley and his wife, Susan - only child. The uncertainty of his son moving out of state is concerning, said Stanley.

"If you have two or three children, and one moves away, it's probably a lot easier," he said. "It's going to be rough. He usually calls home a couple times a day and we see him on weekends. We are close to 80 years old and have dealt with some medical problems. I know he's concerned about it."

The announcement of where Bp. Zubik was going was most shocking, he added.

"The bishop in the Diocese of Greensburg, here in our area, turned 75 last August, so we thought that was where he may end up," he said. "There was talk around town about it."

"We are really looking forward to coming there (Green Bay)," he added. "We will stay there for the holidays. We've always been together for the holidays and it will be good for him to have us there. We will wait to see what the situation brings, but we will hopefully stay for a month. He (Bp. Zubik) will probably talk us into it."

Stanley and Susan, both lifelong Ambridge residents, have been married for 56 years. They met at a polka dance.

"She was there with one of her girlfriends," said Stanley. "I danced with her girlfriend first, and then I danced with my wife. That was it."

Ambridge, which has a population of approximately 7,000, was once home to the steel industry. Susan worked at a mill during World War II. Stanley was a manager at an A&P supermarket in Ambridge before a three-year stint in the Merchant Marines. He returned to his job upon completion of his service. When the A&P closed, he took a position with Pepsi-Cola, which he calls "some of the best years of my life."

Bp. Zubik takes after both parents, said Stanley, but mother and son do share a strong common interest - movies.

"He usually celebrates Mass at a parish on Sundays," said Stanley. "He'll come back around noon and they will get something to eat and go to the movies. That's something they enjoy. I'm not much into movies. The last one I went to see was the first Godfather."

Bp. Zubik's installation will mark the first trip to Wisconsin for his parents. Like many people outside the state, Stanley said the only thing he knows about Green Bay is the Packers.

"I plan to see something new each day I'm there," he said.

The Zubiks are not the only Ambridge residents making the trip to Green Bay for the installation. A group of 140 people will represent the new bishop's hometown, located 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

"I know he is planning on going to the airport to welcome them when the plane arrives," said Stanley. "It's amazing. They all paid for their own plane tickets. That says a lot about them."

Reflecting on his son's journey to the Green Bay Diocese, Stanley said he remembers when Bp. Zubik answered the call to the priesthood.

"He really decided in the 11th grade," he said. "He went on dates and was involved in a number of different things. He made sure it was the right decision."

Bp. Zubik also developed his vocal talents at St. Veronica High School, added his father.

"He has a good voice," said Stanley. "He started in the choral group in high school. When he sings the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, he does a very good job."

Also, during his high school days, Bp. Zubik regularly ate lunch with his grandmother, Susan Raskosky, affectionately known as 'Porchy,' who lived near the school. They shared a special relationship, said Stanley.

"They were very close," he said. "She died on May 22, 1975. He was ordained on May 3. That was his first funeral. His grandfather (John Raskosky) died earlier that year, in January. It was a tough time. I really believe she waited for him to be ordained."

Leaving Pennsylvania is not easy for Bp. Zubik, said his father.

"I could see at a few parishes that it's been hard for him," said Stanley. "He's been there for confirmations and holy communions. He's close to the people. The sisters at the (Holy Spirit) Motherhouse have been really good to him. It's not easy leaving these people."

"He's the type of person who adjusts easily, which is good," he continued. "It's going to be a tough job and he knows that. I'm sure there are good people there to help him."