Wassel Yurchak, age 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at his son’s residence in Summit Township. Born in Tresckow, PA on March 21, 1916, he was the son of a coal miner, who moved his family to Waterford to escape the rigorous work of the mines and to begin dairy farming. Wassel and his brother, John, took over the family farm when Wassel was the young age of 17, and he continued farming until he was in his early 80’s. He remained living at the farm until his last few days.
Wassel was known for his fiddle and banjo playing which he enjoyed with his friends, along with a good joke daily.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gertrude (Betty) in 1999; his brother John, and sisters Anna Rhineberger, Mary Kaschak, and Helen Roderman.
He is survived by one sister, Sophie Bensur of Texas; his son Basil Yurchak and wife Carol Cooney Levandowski Yurchak of Erie; his daughter Carol Yurchak Brumagin Mazza of Florida; grandchildren– Brian Yurchak of Erie, Michelle Stout of North Carolina, Dean (Tony) Brumagin, Barry Brumagin, and Laural Brumagin Crawford, all of Florida; and several step-children, great-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and funeral services will be there Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. Thomas Whitman of All Saints Parish in Waterford. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Condolences to you and your family. You will be in our prayers.
Basil & Carol and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We are richer for having know such a loving man. We will remember Wassel’s warm smile and aways being ready with a joke.
Even though the ‘old’ families have come and gone there is a little piece of them that remain in us. Somewhere in Heaven tonight there’s a banjo playing and they are all laughing and singing because the ‘story teller’ has arrive. I would wish the angels lead him to paradise..but Wassel was probably leading the parade. Our deepest sympathy, Rena & Bob Pytlak and the families of Helen Behun Pytlak (Brenda, Ed and Lisa)
I have many fond memories of Wassel! He was always telling me jokes or singing to me. He always made me laugh! Will miss him dearly. My prayers are with all of you.