Mr. Clarence F. Wroblewski

Beloved husband of Frances (nee Rankin) Wroblewski; devoted father of Amy Montminy and her husband Thomas, of Boston, MA, John J. Wroblewski and his wife, Jennifer, of Santa Fe, NM, Vincent P. Wroblewski, of Lutherville, and Michael S. Wroblewski, of Washington, DC; dear brother-in-law of Betty Robey and Antonia Robey of Savannah, GA. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Shrine of the Sacred Heart 5800 Smith Ave. Baltimore, MD 21209 Clarence Wroblewski was born in West Hazelton, PA on May 9, 1923. His father, John, emigrated from Poland at the age of 19, speaking no English and having had no formal education. He met his wife, Mary, shortly after his arrival in Pennsylvania. He went to work in the mines 40 years so that their four children might receive all that they required, both materially and educationally. All four children were recipients of advanced degrees. In later years Clarence taught his father how to read and write. He graduated from West Hazelton High School and entered West Chester State College. His time at school was interrupted by service in the United States Corps of Engineers between 1943 and 1945. Wroblewski trained in Mississippi and Georgia before being deployed to the Phillipines. Subsequently, he was sent to Japan. After his discharge, Wroblewski returned to West Chester State College and completed his B.S. in music education. In 1947 he moved to Maryland where he taught elementary chorus and band in Chesapeake City in Cecil County. In 1949 he came to Baltimore and taught in Baltimore City at Highlandtown Elementary School before coming to Patterson Park High School in 1951. During that time he completed his Master of Arts degree from Columbia University. In 1960, when Patterson moved farther east to Kane Street, he was responsible for moving the band library, instruments, and uniforms to the new larger facilities. Clarence's main instruments were the clarinet and piano, although he excelled at and taught brass, winds and percussion. During his 34-year stay at the school, he created a concert band, marching band, and stage band. He conducted numerous Broadway musicals. These productions involved months of rehearsal time and hours of off-stage preparations, such as scenery building, for which he had a talent. The shows were met with rave reviews and were attended by hundreds of the East Baltimore community. While at Patterson Park, he met Miss Frances Rankin, who taught business subjects at the school. They were wed in April, 1957. They remained as co-workers for 28 years, he as chairperson of the music department and she as chairperson of the business department. From 1951 until 1985 Clarence Wroblewski was band director at Patterson High School. On Nov. 9, 2014, he was honored at a tribute at the Fifth Regiment Armory attended by numerous former students and friends. Upon this occasion, many of the students brough their musical instruments with them, the purpose being to form a band. This came as a complete surprise to the honoree. Toward the conclusion of the celebration, Mr. Wroblewski was asked to conduct this assembly of musicians. With dignified composure that was the core of his very being, he approached the podium, was handed the baton, and proceeded to conduct five pieces. He was 91 years of age and had not conducted for over 30 years. Music was not only his life at Patterson but also took up a good deal of his time outside the school walls. Mr. Wroblewski's love of singing led him to direct the Lutnia Polish Chorus and the Chorus of the Chesapeake. He also played clarinet in the Baltimore Municipal Park Bands for decades and served as assistant conductor of the Gettysburg Symphony under the direction of Dr. William Sebastian Hart. Additionally, he served as organist and choir director at St. Gerard's Catholic Church. He was an avid supporter of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a season subscriber for many years. After Mr. Wroblewski's retirement in 1985, he continued teaching music as well as performing. His interests were many and varied. His love of gardening and wood carving manifested itself on a regular basis. He was an avid Oriole and Ravens sports fan. He loved all spots: football, baseball, tennis, golf as well as a good poker game. He was a "Mr. Fix It." He could repair anything from his wife's jewelry to a tractor. His daughter is quoted as saying, "Daddy can jimmy-rig anything." If there was a need by a neighbor or friend for a tool or piece of equipment, it could be found in Clarence's basement. He was a quiet, mild mannered man who found good in everything. He saw little value in complaining and was the soul of optimism. His philosophy of life consisted of setting a goal and quietly establishing a pattern of behavior that would achieve it. Music was truly his life. It was one of harmony with few discordant notes. He was a 49-year parishioner and communicant as well as a eucharistic minister at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Mount Washington, and often assisted in constructing holiday church decorations. Jari Villanueva, a 1973 graduate of PHS and organizer of the 2014 celebration, said of his former teacher, "We consider him a real life "Mr. Holland." Over his long career as a teacher, he directed, encouraged, mentored and inspired legions of students, many of whom went into the music profession." Villanueva now works for the Adjutant General as commander of the Maryland Defense Force Band. He is currently retired from the U.S. Air Force Band after 23 years of service. John Zieman, a 1965 graduate of PHS., became director of the Colts' marching band and is currently working with the Ravens. Ray Disney, a 1971 graduate of PHS, is currently a professional musician. Joseph Compello, a 1959 graduate of PHS, became a band director in Baltimore schools and in 2003 his "Dimensions" a full musical score was published. The opening page has a dedication which reads, "To my mentor, Calrence F. Wroblewski, who set my life's course on the path of music." Clarence Wroblewski died on Saturday, November 24, 2018, of natural causes at his home surrounded by family members.

Mr. Clarence F. Wroblewski

May 9, 1923 - November 24, 2018