John Wassilchak Jr.

Born on December 12th 1929 in Pricedale, PA to John Sr., and Anna (Ferenz) Wassilchak, John was a 1947 graduate of Rostraver High School. He married his beloved wife Joyce (Swalin) in 1961 and raised two adoring sons.

John owned and operated a residential ceramic tile business prior to expanding his career as a professional carpenter for Westinghouse Electric in Pittsburgh, PA.

He was a passionate family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan who was passionate about the Pittsburgh Steelers. John enjoyed the outdoors. He loved coaching youth baseball, hunting, fishing and gardening. He had a work hard – play hard spirit. John enjoyed cold beer, great food, friends, family and laughter.

John was a founding member of Gibson Seven; a family-oriented hunting camp in central Pennsylvania’s Cameron County, that served families and friends for more than 50 years.

After retiring, John and Joyce moved to Apex, NC to be near his family. He continued to stay active by traveling to his favorite beaches, gardening and volunteering as a greeter at Hope Community Church.

In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin J. and Lori (Padovani) Wassilchak of Cumming, GA and Ryan R. and Pamela (Heilman) Wassilchak of Apex, NC. Six grandchildren; Ryan, Sarah (Wassilchak) Brookwell and husband Cameron, John of Charlotte, NC, Leah of Apex, and Arden and Avery of Athens, GA.

Also survived by his brother-in-law in law Dennis R. Swalin and wife Sharon of Monessen PA, and brother-in-law Ernest N. Puckett of Woodhaven, MI. Stepbrother David Baumgardner, stepsister Veronica Matson. Nieces Debi (Puckett) Albanys of Woodhaven, MI, Darcey (Puckett) Champion of Brownstown, MI and Shannon (Swalin) Indof of Belle Vernon, PA. Nephews Sean R. Swalin and wife Melissa of Philadelphia, PA and Richard G. Swalin, Jr., of Belle Vernon, PA.

He was preceded in death by parents John Sr. and Mary A. (Baumgardner) Wassilchak, brother Franklin A. (Buddy), sister Dolores Mae (Wassilchak) Puckett, brother-in-law Richard G. Swalin, Sr., stepbrother Francis Baumgardner, sister-in-law Connie Swalin.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He was ‘Papa’ to everyone who knew him. Warm, giving heart, kind smile and overall helpful soul. A man like him only comes once in a lifetime. Possessing many great qualities that made it easy to love and adore him. He was the cornerstone of our family.

A celebration of his life will be hosted by family. In lieu of flowers, one can leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on his memorial page.