Stanley
E.
Sluzalis

STANLEY E. SLUZALIS was born March 26, 1902, in Mt. Carmel PA to Joseph and Bertha Sluzalis.  The family later moved to Nanticoke, Pa. He went to work in the coal mines when only 14. In 1924, at the age of 22, he wed the former Helen Zanowicz with whom he had four children, one son and three daughters.

Determined to complete his education, in 1927 he was accepted to Harvard, but was unable to attend.  Having a wife and young son, he instead attended Lafayette College during the day while working the graveyard shift in the mines at night.  He served as a United Mine Worker of America official for many years and was a strong union supporter at all angles.

Prior to moving to NJ he worked for the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Office. After moving to Camden NJ, he was employed by the New Jersey Department of Employment Services in Camden.

In 1948 he was given a Civilian Commission by the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and worked for the US Army Bureau of Mines in Korea and served on a election observation team and was instrumental in organizing the first free election in South Korea.

 In the late 1950's Mr. Sluzalis was appointed to run a NJ Motor Vehicle Agency which was located at Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Van Hook Sreet in Camden.

Residing at 1171 Whitman Avenue, Mr. Sluzalis was the Founder and First President of the Camden Taxpayers Association.  He was highly visible at City Council Meetings and many articles he wrote appeared in the Camden Courier-Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and other newspapers.

Active in Democratic Party Politics in the City's 13th Ward, he was also past Recording Secretary of the City's Woodrow Wilson Democratic Club. A member of the Polish American Citizens Club of Camden, Stanley Sluzalis was also President of the Koal Krackers Club, an organization for descendants of coal miners. In 1969 he became a published author, when his book, "The Land of The Black Diamonds" was released.

Published in 1969 by Vantage Press of New York NY, "The Land of The Black Diamonds" is the story of the anthracite coal mines in Pennsylvania, between the Delaware & the Susquehanna rivers, where all of the anthracite coal in the United States is produced. Stanley Sluzalis told the story of the anthracite mining industry & the men who earned their living by the sweat of their brow, deep down in the bowels of the earth, the hardships of the miners, their wives & children.

At the time of his death February 6, 1974, Stanley Sluzalis he was retired, his last job being that of Mine Safety Inspector for the NJ Bureau of Mines. Mass of the Resurrection was held at St. Joseph's Church, 10th & Mechanic Streets, Camden, and his burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wilkes Barre PA.

Plans have been completed for the Koal Krackers Club ninth annual clambake to be held at Sunset Beach, Almonesson, on Sunday, July 20, starting at 12 noon.

Stanley E. Sluzalis said all ticket returns must be made no later than Friday, July 11.