In front of Room 226 in McCarthy Gymnasium, various pictures and numerous awards have been collected in memory of Joseph Chromiak, former interim department head of the kinesiology department. A guestbook sits on top of the desk filled with pages of names and personal notes that people have written. Family members, students and colleagues have come to pay respects to him.Chromiak, 47, died in his home on Friday after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Anna, son Joseph, parents Joseph and Bonnie and brothers David and John.
“He had been very ill for a long time, and we are all going to miss him very much,” kinesiology instructor Debby Funderburk said.
Chromiak was born in Pennsylvania, and he received his bachelor’s degree from Clarion State College. Next, he went to graduate school and acquired his master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Michigan in 1984.
He received his doctorate in physiology from Auburn University in 1990.
Chromiak became a faculty member at Mississippi State University. He later became associate professor, graduate coordinator and interim head of the department, according to the obituary.
Stanley Brown, department head of kinesiology, said Chromiak demonstrated to faculty and students how to be a great role model.
“During the time in which he became sick, he literally held the department together as some retirements had taken place,” he said.
William Lyles, a senior kinesiology major, remembers Chromiak as someone who was always available whenever someone needed help.
“There is nobody like him,” he said. “He did a lot for the school, the department and was always willing to help students.”
Ben Abadie, who worked alongside Chromiak, considered him to be a good department head.
“Joe was a hard worker who was very dedicated to the students and research for the department.”
While at MSU, he received many research awards, such as Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Award and the Herb Handley Research Award. He earned some honors including Phi Kappa Phi. He also obtained status of Fellow within the American College of Sports Medicine.
John Lamberth, associate professor of kinesiology, said Chromiak was courageous throughout his battle with cancer.
“He probably never had a well day but he was still here,” he said. “He kept on going until the very end.”
A prayer service was held Monday and the funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a burial at Oddfellows Cemetery.