We are saddened to report the death of Roman Probodziak.

Roman died on 20 August 2025 following a traffic accident. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, and son, Alexander.

In August 1959, Roman was among the first group of five refugee children to arrive from Germany at the Pestalozzi Children’s Village, shortly after its opening. A confident and popular boy, Roman excelled at school—both academically and in sport. He competed at national schoolboy level in javelin.

Roman later settled in London with Carmen, taking up employment at Claridge’s Hotel, where he became a legendary figure as Head Doorman for some forty years. Following his retirement, Roman and Carmen made their home in Sevenoaks, Kent.

We send our deepest condolences to Roman’s family.

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