Raymond P. Fyalka

RAYMOND P. FYALKA

GRANITE CITY - Raymond P. Fyalka, 83, passed away at 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2014, at his home.

He was born October 25, 1930, in Mt. Olive, Ill., a son of the late John and Mary (Thomso) Fyalka. He married Beverly J. (Larson) Fyalka on July 9, 1955 in Spokane, Wash. and she survives.

He began his career in teaching in the Mt. Olive School District with four years as a teacher and coach at the high school. He retired in 1986 from the Granite City School District #9 after 25 years of dedicated service through junior high and high school. He was a respected teacher and football and track coach. He had also worked at National Marine Services in Hartford for 17 years. He had received his Masters Degree and Bachelors Degree from SIU-Edwardsville. The United States Air Force veteran proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He had participated in three marathons, achieving this from the age of 50 and had qualified to run the Boston Marathon. He was a past member of the St. Louis Track Club. He enjoyed all sports including hockey, baseball and especially the years of the St. Louis Cardinals Football. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Raymond will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, he is survived by four children and their spouses, Raymond P. and Lorraine Fyalka Jr. of Maryville, Patricia J. Hudak of Collinsville, Robert A. and Judy Fyalka of Florissant, Mo., and Lori and Steve Smith of Collinsville; thirteen grandchildren, Patrick, Michael, Brandon, Jacob, Lynsey, Ryan, Trevor, Chelsea, Robert, Amanda, Grace, Matthew and Smitty; two great-grandchildren, Claire and Ainsley; one sister, Mildred Loeffler of Simi Valley, Calif.; other extended family and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin daughters, Teresa and Sharon Fyalka; son-in-law, Robert Hudak; two brothers, Frank Fyalka and John Fyalka Jr. and one sister, Agnes Kuruc.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2300 Pontoon Road in Granite City on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 11 a.m. with Father Chris Comerford as celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville with military rites.

Masses or memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital may be accepted.

Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com