John Wassilchak Jr. – Apex, N.C., Formerly of Monessen
On Monday, July 13, 2020, John Wassilchak Jr., loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 90. John was born on Dec. 12, 1929, in Pricedale, to John Sr. and Anna Ferenz Wassilchak. He 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. 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. John was a founding member of “Gibson 7,” a family-oriented hunting camp in Cameron County that served families and friends for more than 50 years. After retiring, John and Joyce moved to Apex, N.C., to be near family. He continued to stay active by gardening and volunteering as a greeter at Hope Community Church. John is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin J. and Lori Padovani Wassilchak of Cumming, Ga., and Ryan R and Pamela Heilman Wassilchak of Apex, N.C.; six grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, John and Leah of Apex, N.C., and Arden and Avery of Cumming, Ga.; his sister, Debi Puckett-Albanys and brother-in-law Ernest of Southgate, Mich.; brother-in-law, Dennis R. Swalin and wife Sharon of Monessen; step-brother, David Baumgardner; nephews, Sean R. Swalin and Richard G. Swalin Jr.; and nieces, Shannon Swalin Indof and Darcey Champion. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Mary A. Baumgardner Wassilchak; brother, Franklin A. “Buddy;” sister, Dolores Mae Puckett; brother-in-law, Richard G. Swalin Sr.; step-brother, Francis Baumgardner; and sister-in-law, Connie Swalin. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He was Papa to everyone who knew him. 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 at a later date.
