By Jerry Vondas

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Paul Nied earned the label “cheerleader” when he cheered for the Homestead High School football team, and he carried it through life.

The GIs with whom Nied fought on European battlefields during World War II and the customers who frequented his Lawrenceville bar considered him their biggest fan, his family said.

“Despite the fact that my father was wounded during the fighting around Cherbourg in France, he felt it was an experience that enriched his attitude on life,” said his son, Jim Nied of Lawrenceville.

“It gave him a sense of what is important in life, such as fighting alongside with men who put their lives and trust in him in times of danger.”

Paul W. Nied of Shaler, formerly of Lawrenceville, owner of Nied's Hotel in Lawrence-ville, died on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, in ManorCare, Ross. He was 93.

“During the years Dad was involved with the 313th Infantry (79th Division) reunions, he would expound on the merits of giving your best for your country in times of war,” said his son, now owner of Nied's Hotel.

“And many of Dad's customers knew that he was there for them in a pinch if they were in need. If they were short of enough cash to buy lunch or needed money to buy groceries at home, he'd take care of the bills until they could catch up on payday.”

Paul Nied grew up in Homestead as one of two children of bar owner Ted Nied and his wife, Bertha Rogers Nied.

Mr. Nied received his undergraduate degree from Duquesne University after graduating from high school in 1938. He entered the Army during the war.

Upon his discharge in 1946, Mr. Nied joined his father in the Lawrenceville bar, and two years later married Marion Rybar.

“My father was ... devoted to his Catholic faith and could be found during church fundraisers preparing the food to be sold,” said his son, a retired Army officer.

Mr. Nied's wife, son Paul W. Nied Jr. and his sister, Rose Rybar, preceded him in death.

Family and friends will be received at Walter J. Zalewski Jr. Funeral Home, 216 44th St., Lawrenceville, from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in Holy Spirit Parish in Millvale.

Jerry Vondas is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7823 or jvondas@tribweb.com.

1. Steelers hope new blocking scheme kick-starts running game
2. NHL commissioner Bettman talks Crosby, Olympics, outdoor games
3. Penguins insider: Golden opportunity arrives with Game 5
4. Senators' Alfredsson clarifies comments made after Game 4
5. Starkey: Pens’ offense blazing historic path
6. Penguins notebook: Bylsma likes response to adversity
7. Steelers notebook: Gilbert hopes to stay on left side of O-line
8. Pens will unveil even bigger TV screen for fans in Game 5
9. Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger likes the revamped offense
10. Former Jeannette hospital attracts Calif. buyer
11. Man shot in face in Greenfield

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.