Zbigniew Marion “Bishop” Bielec was born in Dynów, Poland on October 10, 1958. He peacefully passed away on June 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Bishop spent the first seven years of his life in the village of Ulanica, in his grandfather’s home, before immigrating to Aberdeen, Washington. He graduated from Aberdeen High School and studied Education at Washington State University. He settled in Port Orchard to raise his sons and teach in the North Mason School District.

He was a quiet man with a charming smile and a twinkle in his eye. A sweet and gentle soul who could not talk about his family without crying happy, prideful tears. Bishop was a simple man; family, friends, baseball, and his truck were all he needed. He touched many lives during his 35-year career dedicated to teaching and coaching. He spent countless hours on a bucket in the dugout or in the booth under Friday Night Lights. But his favorite spot of all was along the outfield fence watching his boys play the game he mentored them in.

Beloved son, brother, husband, dad, papa, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend, he will be missed greatly by many. He is survived by his wife, Shelley Bielec; two sons, Brett Bielec (Chelsea) and Kasey Bielec (JoAnna); father and mother, Kasey and Teresa Bielec; brother, Jozef Bielec; sisters, Lucy Machowek (Mike) and Barb Page (Doug); many adoring nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren, Bailey, Beau, Easton, and Brooklynn. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul; father-in-law, Ole Olson; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins in Poland.

Frank Sinatra sang it best, “I Did It My Way,” and Bish most certainly did it his way.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma or St. Anthony’s Hospital in Gig Harbor at virginiamasonfoundation.org/vmfh-donation.

For full memorial please visit www.rill.com