Robert Anthony Vertacnik – Collinsburg
Robert Anthony Vertacnik passed away on Feb. 6, 2023. He was born in Collinsburg on July 20, 1930, to the late Anton and Sarah Simmons Vertacnik. He was a lifelong resident of Collinsburg, Rostraver Township. In 1991, he retired from Westinghouse and Powerex in Youngwood, where he worked in purchasing for 33 years. A former Marine, he was a decorated veteran of the Korean War. His awards include two Bronze Stars, a Gold Star, multiple Purple Hearts, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with three campaign bronze stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Bob received three associate degrees at Westmoreland County Community college and a bachelor’s and master’s degree at California University of Pennsylvania. He was a published and award-winning poet and was a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church in West Newton. Bob was associated with multiple veterans’ organizations; a member of the Mon Valley Leathernecks, a life member of the Korean War Veterans Association of Western Pennsylvania, a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 699, Marine Corps League Detachment 726 of Greater Greensburg, The Marine Corps Association, First Marine Division Association and the Disabled American Veterans organization. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Sawa Vertacnik; and his sons, Robert J. Vertacnik and Eric L. Vertacnik. Surviving are two daughters, Mary Jo Sorrento and her husband Orlando and Leanne Turner and her husband Brian; two granddaughters, Hayley and Alyssa Turner; sister, Betty Torkar; and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at J. WILLIAM MCCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME, 901 Vine St., West Newton, where a funeral liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday. Interment with military honors will follow in West Newton Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.mccauleyfuneralhome.com.
