Gerald Chelak

Gerald Chelak
of Olyphant
Gerald Chelak, of, Olyphant died Friday at home. His wife is the former Ann Marie Wasnetsky. Born in Olyphant, son of the late John and Anna Domanish Chelak, he was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. A member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, he served on its board of directors. He was also a member of Queen City Hose Company, Station 26, and was past treasurer. He was influential in erecting the coal miners monument in Olyphant, and was treasurer of the memorial committee. He was a member of American Legion Raymond Henry Post 327, Olyphant. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and worked at many area liquor stores. After retiring, he worked at the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Federal Credit Union's Olyphant branch. He was very active in community affairs and willing to help his community any way he could. He loved his grandchildren and never hesitated to chauffeur them around. An avid bowler, he was one of the few in his time to bowl a perfect game and score over 700 in a three-game series. Also surviving are a daughter, Lori Beggin and husband, Allan, Olyphant; two grandchildren, Neena and Brya; a brother, Thomas and wife, Roberta, Binghamton, N.Y.; nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the John J. Turko and Sons Funeral Home, 404 Susquehanna Ave., Olyphant, with Divine Liturgy at 9:30 in SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Olyphant, to be celebrated by Monsignor Stephen Hrynuck. Interment, parish cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Parastas will be at 3. Members of the Olyphant Fire Department will meet at 7:30.