Thomas Wayne Balcerek, Ph.D.

COLUMBIA - Thomas W. Balcerek, Ph.D., 68, of Columbia, SC, and Greeley, PA, died peacefully in Columbia on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Born in Buffalo, NY, on May 13, 1947, to Dorothy Balcerek of Columbia and the late Chester Balcerek, he graduated from Canisius College, Buffalo, and subsequently received a PhD in physics from the University of South Carolina. He retired after thirty years in the University Of South Carolina Department of Computer Services. Tom and his wife, Sara Woolbert Balcerek announced their engagement around a campfire on the banks of the Chattooga River 26 years ago. Until recent years they enjoyed backpacking and cross-country skiing at their lakefront cottage in Pennsylvania; he always loved the cottage and visits with family. Tom loved football, particularly the Buffalo Bills and the Gamecocks; was always optimistic, and always philosophical about the fortunes of his teams. He was an avid bridge player, a long time member of the Columbia Bridge Club, and enjoyed playing with his many friends in the Club. He is survived by his wife, Sara; mother, Dorothy; sister and brother in law Jane and John Karpiak; nephews and grand-nieces. His life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Columbia, SC, on Monday, April 4, at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive visitors at the church following the service. A private burial will occur later in Shohola, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201.