Peter Wassilchalk

Peter Wassilchalk, 86, passed away on May 12, 2012, in his home in Ontario California. He was born on Aug 28, 1925 to Nick and Anna Pysh Wassilchalk in Pricedale. He was a graduate of Rostraver Twp. High School, Class of 1943. Pete proudly served in the Army 4th Armored Division of the 25th Cavalry under General Patton during WW II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Pete returned to Pennsylvania, but after a few more winters he decided to move to Southern California, which he was introduced to during some of his Army training. He settled down in Ontario and in 1955, married a long time Ontario residence, Joyce Samuelson. There they raised four children. Pete worked for Kaiser Steel. Upon retiring from Kaiser, he went to work for The Summer Brothers, builders of ""The Golden Rod"". He enjoyed football and his favorite collage team was Notre Dame. In the pros, he enjoyed watching Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the most enjoyable football games for him were watching his nephews in Pennsylvania play for their high school team. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family there. California gave him many opportunities to fulfill that outdoor pleasure. Newport beach, Laguna beach, Pismo beach, Bishop, Mammoth, Camping at Big Bear, Camping at the Rose Parade, Hiking to the top of Mt. Whitney (more than once), are just a few places that he went to. Driving and seeing the United States and Canada on the family trips back to Pennsylvania. In his later years, he joined a Gold Panning club, and went on camping / panning trips with them. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. Christopher lived close by and Pete couldn't wait to pick him up from school and spend time with him. One of his favorite things to do with Christopher was to take him to Toys ""R"" Us and let him pick out a Lego puzzle. Adam and Aaron lived in Las Vegas, and he made several trips to see them. Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years. He is survived by his four children, Susan, Denzel, Karen, Eric, three grandsons, Christopher, Adam and Aaron and one brother, Mike Wassilchalk of N. Belle Vernon. Friends will be received Saturday from 10 until 11 A.M. in the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Mary Street, Belle Vernon. Funeral services will begin at 11 A.M. with Fr. Samuel Smolcic presiding. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Belle Vernon (724-929-5300) is handling arrangements. www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com

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Peter Wassilchalk

August 28, 1925 - May 12, 2012