Peter Kostyshak

Peter Kostyshak
of Binghamton
Peter Kostyshak, 91, a good and caring man, entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 20, 2008, peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Peter was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Gail; his parents, Anna (Vencko) and William Kostyshak; brothers, Michael and John; and sister, Helen Himko. Pete is survived by his caring wife of sixty-two years, Margaret (Petrigala) Kostyshak; daughters, Linda Baker (Paul), Arizona, and Terry Quin, Binghamton; and two granddaughters, Adrienne Baker, Seattle, Wash., and Kali Quin, Binghamton. Pete is also survived by four brothers, Edward, Stephen (Natalie), Andrew and Joseph (Mary Jane) Kostyshak; two sisters, Celia (Ted) Koast and Mary Ann (Ed) Sinnema; and nieces and nephews. Pete was an Army Veteran of World War II and served his country with pride and honor. He served with the 130th Infantry and was in the Pacific Theatre for two years in the East Indies and New Guinea. Peter received the Soldier's Medal for heroism in action in Naguillian in Northern Luzon, the Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the Purple Heart. As a Filipino guerilla unit was loading its equipment on to a truck partially filled with ammunition, a fire broke out in the bed of the truck, igniting a box of 30- caliber ammunition and a case of grenades. Some soldiers were wounded in the first explosion and further explosions would have endangered others nearby. Sergeant Kostyshak seized a water can, jumped in the truck and unassisted, extinguished the fire. His alertness prevented the other ammunition from exploding, thereby preventing further injuries to personnel and several government vehicles stationed nearby. Pete was a toolmaker and worked for IBM in Endicott for 23 years. He was a craftsman and was able to build or fix just about anything. He built boats and made knives, many of which he gave away. Peter would always lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He was a good neighbor and friend. He was always there if anyone needed or wanted help. Pete also loved boating, fishing and the outdoors. He enjoyed taking his family camping in the Adirondacks. He also took his nephews and cousins on fishing and camping trips. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stephen Paushter for his exceptional, compassionate care of Peter through the years.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 9 a.m. at the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, 326 Prospect Street, Binghamton, and 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, 292 Clinton Street, Binghamton, with the Very Rev. Michael Kleban officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Rev. Kleban will conduct a prayer service 4 p.m., Thursday at the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends Thursday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may send expressions of sympathy in Peter's memory to either Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Vestal Road, Vestal, N.Y. 13850; The Arthritis Center, 161 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905; or St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, 292 Clinton Street, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.