Casimir Szlendak

Casimir Szlendak, or 'CAZ', as we know him, lived a very rich life starting from humble beginnings. Born in February 1945 to Polish parents. His mother was from Krakow and his father from Podlaski, Poland. Caz was born in a slave labor camp on a large farm in Altenglan Tocon, Germany, during World War II. Once the war was over, Caz's parents, Walter and Stasha, his older brother Karl, sister Christina and Caz came to America. They arrived in Boston aboard the USS Hersey transport ship. From there they were sent to Baltimore in August 1949. Then the adventures begin. At '16', Caz came across a Readers Digest advertisement to 'get paid to see the world'. Working on a ship. With his father's permission, he was hired by the Norwegians and off he went to see the world. He spent the whole summer working on cargo ships and banana boats. On his adventure he went through the Panama Canal, Ecuador, Venezuela and Havana, Cuba. He returned back to Maryland several days before school started. Caz completed his basic education through Catholic high school. He attended St. Mary's College of Maryland. During his final years in college, he came upon the love of his life, Mary Windsor Palmer. Caz and Mary were wed on June 24, 1967. After the wedding, Caz began his working life with Motorola. He administered military contracts for 2-way radio and mobile telephones. In 1972 he was transferred to the California office. He also began his career as a real estate broker and developer. Driven from humble beginnings, Caz excelled in business and made a wonderful life for him and Mary, friends and family. He loved life and enjoyed many adventures. Caz was born with little and passed with a lot through his continuing efforts. Family and friends mattered to him the most. He was loved by many for that he lived well. Caz, we miss you and look forward to the stories you will tell when we meet again. Caz is survived by his wife, Mary of 48 years. Mother Stasha, brothers Karl, George and Joe (Jill) and sister Christine (Bernie). Six nieces: Susannah Calladine (Stu), Jessica St. Claire, Nicole Vehawn (Jason), Brittany Szlendak, Lisa Steffeck (David), and Krystle Wilson. One nephew – Austin Szlendak. Two Great Nephews: Kaleb Vehawn and Mitchell David. One Great Niece: Abigail Steffeck. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of 'Caz' on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 2:00pm at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA. In Lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Dublin, CA 94568-3024; www.hopehospice.com.