Obituaries

Walter Pritchyk, 89, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Saturday morning at Moses Taylor Hospital. His wife, the former Eleanor Ceil Horyczon, died March 13, 2000.
Born March 6, 1925, in Old Forge, he was the son of the late John and Sadie Virhanovsky Pritchyk. A 1942 graduate of Old Forge High School, Walter honorably served in the Army 486th Anti Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion during World War II. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. Walter worked for Superior Door and Sash, and, before his retirement, he was a foreman with Owens Illinois. A lifelong member of St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, he was a member of the former Men’s Russian Club. A member of the DeRosa-Orzalek VFW Post 4954, Old Forge, Walter was active with the golf leagues at Pine Hills and Summit Hills golf courses. Being very athletic, he played semi-professional baseball with the Niagara Frontiers and played for the Old Forge Orioles.
Walter was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle who was an avid golfer. In fact, he spent Wednesday hitting 200 golf balls before becoming ill. One of Old Forge’s biggest sports fans, he attended every football and basketball game, especially the playoff games. Walter touched so many lives in so many ways and will always be remembered.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Diakiw and the nurses and staff of Moses Taylor Hospital for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Walter during his illness.
Surviving are a daughter, Debbie Walls and husband, the Rev. Bob, Old Forge; a son, Walter Pritchyk Jr. and wife, Marie, Falls; four grandchildren, Emily and Jessica Pritchyk, and Chris and Corey Cavalieri; a great-grandson, Christian Louis Cavalieri; two brothers, John Pritchyk and wife, Irene, Old Forge; and Al Pritchyk, Old Forge; two sisters, Dorothy Petercuskie and husband, John, Centerville, Mass.; and Sonia Buberniak, Union Dale; several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Pritchyk.
The funeral will be Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with funeral services at 10 in St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, 512 Summer St., Old Forge, by the Rev. Peter Henry, pastor. Interment will be private in the parish cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Parastas services will be held at 7:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Walter’s name to either St. Michael’s R.O. Church, 512 Summer St., Old Forge, PA 18518; or St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.