Submitted by: Dan Rich

Br. Sigismund Danielski, CSC,

March 18, 1913 - Dec. 29, 2004

South Bend Tribune 12/30/2004

Br. Sigismund Danielski, CSC, 91, died at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, Ind., on Wednesday, December 29, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Br. Sigismund was born March 18, 1913, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Michael and Stella (Malczewski) Danielski. He was educated in Catholic and public schools in Chicago, finishing his high school education in 1932 at the Holy Cross Brothers' candidacy program, Watertown, Wisc. In July of that year he was accepted into the novitiate of the brothers at Notre Dame, Indiana.

A year later, July 2, 1933, he pronounced his first vows as a brother and began higher studies immediately at the University of Notre Dame. Majoring in English, he received in A.B. degree in 1937, then during summer sessions he earned a masters degree in 1945. He pronounced his perpetual vows in August 1936. From 1937-1940 Br. Sigismund taught at Holy Trinity High School in Chicago, followed by a year at Cathedral High School, Indianapolis, Ind. He spent the years 1941-1946 on the faculty of Msgr. Coyle High School, Taunton, Mass., returning to Holy Trinity H.S. in Chicago to teach between 1946-1949, and act as Asst. Principal of that school from 1949-1951.

Br. Sigismund joined the faculty of Central Catholic High School, South Bend, remaining there from 1949-1954, years during which Central Catholic was replaced by the new St. Joseph High School. In 1954 he acted as Treasurer of Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron, Oh., then taught full time there from 1955-1959. He became Asst. Principal/Asst. Superior at Archbishop Hoban in 1959, serving in those capacities until 1964, when he was called to Notre Dame to direct Dujarie Press at Columba Hall. He held that position full time until 1968 when he took on additional duties by teaching at Holy Cross Junior College for three years. In the meantime, he pursued studies in library science. His knowledge and love of books were needed at Holy Trinity H.S. in Chicago, and he spend the years 1972-87 as the school librarian. Retired, then, but still working in the office at Trinity, Br. Sigismund resided at the brothers' other school, Holy Cross High School, River Grove, Ill. He remained there from 1987 until in 2002 his health required him to take up residence at Dujarie House, Notre Dame, where he resided until his death.

Br. Sigismund's solemn demeanor befitting his extremely dry humor, the quiet timbre of his voice, and his sometimes seeming aloofness from others could be misleading and at times misinterpreted, for his forthright but accurate criticism could challenge the self-confidence of student and faculty colleagues alike. But to draw conclusions about him solely on these characteristics would be to have missed the constant underlying sensitivity, interest and respect for those seeking his help.

Demanding rigorous discipline in the classroom or the library, Br. Sigismund contributed much to the growth and development of the individuals he taught and supervised. His success with students in the classroom and library prompted his superiors to give him assignments that would take advantage of his unusual talents. Thus, in the 50's he either chaired or was a participant in committees mandated to produce a common English syllabus for all Holy Cross high schools in the United States. His library studies and experience added to the practical value of his familiarity with the necessary tools of teaching, and many a teacher influenced by Br. Sigismund owed his success in school to the quick-witted brother whose words perhaps stung a bit at times yet healed to the clear advantage of the individual.

Before coming to Dujarie House, Br. Sigismund retired but never ceased to exhibit his truly generous nature and giftedness.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 31, in St. Joseph's Chapel, the brother's Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 St. Rd. 933. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. with interment immediately afterward in St. Joseph's Cemetery on the Village grounds. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.