A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 22 in St. Gertrude Church, Vandergrift, Pa. Burial with military honors were accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. Burial followed in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Pa.

Mr. Poleski was born in 1947 in Harrison Township. He graduated from Kiski Area Senior High School before going on to the University of Pennsylvania, Phila., where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. From 1969 to 1971, he served in the Army Signal Corps and was stationed at Highlands Army Defense Site, Highlands.

After leaving the Army, Mr. Poleski remained in New Jersey to pursue a career in education, earning a master’s degree in school administration from Monmouth College (now University), West Long Branch. For 36 years he dedicated his career to Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Trenton and the Archdiocese of Newark.

He started his career as a social studies teacher and football and wrestling coach in 1971 in Red Bank Catholic High School and was then named assistant principal in 1975.

In 1980, he became an assistant principal and business administrator at Union Catholic Regional High School, Scotch Plains. He was then named principal of Mater Dei High School (now Mater Dei Prep), Middletown, in 1989. He was recognized by the Diocese for outstanding leadership in Catholic education in 2003. Along with teaching, he was also active as a soccer coach for the Bayshore Youth Athletic Association’s and St. Mary’s Athletic Association’s travel teams as well as a soccer coach for St. Mary School, Middletown. After 18 years at Mater Dei, he retired in 2007.

Mr. Poleski was predeceased by his parents, Frank Sr. and Jennie (Szost) Poleski. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonita (Naccarato); a son, Matthew of Ringoes; four grandchildren; brothers, sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 or cancer.org.