A tribute to Robert W. Powell
In the 1940s most Uniondalers who belonged to the Knights of Columbus
belonged to Hempstead Council #1241. By 1951, many of them began to explore the
possibility of forming their own council to go with Uniondale's rapidly
expanding population, as well as the brand-new St.Martha's parish, which was
established in 1949. One of them was Robert William Powell, who was an
active member in Hempstead council, serving as Treasurer and Financial Secretary
in the '40s. His Brother-in-law, John Verbeck, would eventually become Grand
Knight of Hempstead Council. Everyone who knew Mr. Powell knew him as a
very fine gentleman. His daughter, Kathleen Powell Nieves, shares her memories
of Robert W.
Powell:
"my father was a kind, understanding, and gentle man. I don't remember him saying anything bad about anyone. He never criticized or said anything derogatory about someone. You always felt safe in his presence. He welcomed everyone and made everyone feel at home whenever they saw him.
There was a story that someone came to a meeting to join the K of C. The one that put his hand out to welcome him and show him around was Bob Powell. . . My father also had a good sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved his family and worked very hard for us. Together with my mother they sacrificed much to send my sister and I to Catholic Schools.
This sounds like a 'typical good man' but there really was something special about him. He was just always likable, agreeable. I believe that he lived out Gospels without knowing it. He was a good example for us all.
The Knights bestowed a great honor on our family when they asked for permission to use my father's name for the Council."
Robert William Powell died suddenly on September 7, 1951, six months before the formation of the council that would bear his name. In June 1994 his son, Robert, would himself become Grand Knight. In April 2001 Robert's son Matthew was invested as one of 11 Squires in the newly re-activated Rev. John J. Byrne Circle #999. In August 2001 Robert's son Robert Jr. became a member of the council which bears his grandfather's name, continuing a proud tradition of Powell Council as a family council.
Robert W. Powell helped make our council possible. The following helped make this article possible: PGK Robert W. Powell, Frances Powell, Barbara Powell, Kathleen Powell Nieves, William Duschenchuk FDD PGK PFN, Lawrence Micalizzi PGK FDD, Martha Ann Brady (her father, Stanley Piech, was a charter member of Powell Council), and from Hempstead council Robert Eifler Sr PGK, and Frank Veit PGK FDD PFN