Carl F. Wapiennik

Carl F. Wapiennik, 98, of Rostraver Township, died Saturday, March 1, 2025. Born in Donora on October 10, 1926, he was the son of the late Karl and Rose (Kidzinski) Wapiennik.

Graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Magna Cum Laude in 1953 with a B.S. degree in Physics, he is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma national physics honor societies.

In 1964 Carl was named Executive Director of Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science. During his career at Buhl, he supervised the design and production of numerous electro-mechanical visual effects for the Star Theater presentations and gallery exhibits. Carl is well-known by educators and students for his demonstrations and lectures in general science and physics. He added the health sciences to the institution's programs. Carl also served as chairman for 18 years of the very well-known and prestigious Pittsburgh Regional School Science and Engineering Fair.

Prior to his work at Buhl, Carl was employed by Radio Corporation of America in Canonsburg and the Naval Research Laboratories in Washington D.C. He was a radar specialist aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Randolph during World War II. Carl is the co-inventor of a patented valve for controlling liquid flow without the use of moving parts. He has also been published in the American Institute of Physics Journal, "Review of Scientific Instruments."

Carl's past and present civic involvement is vast and includes the Rostraver Township Planning Commission, the North Side - Allegheny Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsburgh Press Club, the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army, Chairman of the Rostraver Township Municipal Water Authority, Director of Baptist Homes Pittsburgh Baptist Homes Pittsburgh Baptist Association, and an honorary member of the Rostraver Central Voluntary Fire Company.

Carl was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Donora. He especially enjoyed exercising and socializing with many friends at the Mon Valley Health Plex in Rostraver. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He is survived by his daughter, Ellen L. (Kim) Steadman of Rostraver; grandchildren, Gabriella (Brendan) Kasper, Tyler Steadman (Alyssa Paglia), Ryan (Heather) Wapiennik and Hannah Wapiennik; great grandchildren Adalynn Wapiennik, Riley Wapiennik and Emma Wapiennik; brothers, Eugene Wapiennik of Rostraver and Edwin Wapiennik of Monessen; and sisters, Bernice Cider of Rostraver and Regina Bernet of Mich. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elva (Bartron) Wapiennik; and son C. Eric Wapiennik.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the James C. Stump Funeral Home Inc., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township (724-929-7934) www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ken Kirby officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in West Newton Cemetery.