Photo courtesy of Reichel Funeral Home - Northampton
Northampton, Pennsylvania
Jan 12, 1936 – Dec 21, 2021 (Age 85)
Edward Bruchak, 85, of Catasauqua, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of the late Eugenia D. (Brennan), who passed Sept. 16, 2018. Born January 12, 1936, in Emmaus, he was a son of the late John and Julia (Stashitsky) Bruchak. Edward was a graduate of Northampton High School and continued his education at Kutztown University. He was a three-sport athlete and loved to share memories from that time in his life. Edward earned his master’s degree from Lehigh University. He started his career as an elementary school teacher in Quakertown and Richland Township, where he also was an athletic coach. Edward met his beloved wife during this time. From there, Edward and his family moved to Durham, NC, where he worked with Duke University on the Individualized Mathematics System. He then worked as an assistant principal at Milford Middle School in Delaware. Edward was principal at Sheckler Elementary School in Catasauqua for 28 years before retiring and becoming a member of the school board. He was a member and president of the Elementary Principal Association of Pennsylvania. Edward was also a faithful member of Annunciation B.V.M. Catholic Church.
Survivors: son, Edward Brennan Bruchak and fiancée, Rhonda David; daughters, Katrina Zalatan and Tamara Gary; grandchildren, Caitlyn, Meghan, Chelsea, Matthew, Michael, and Benjamin; sister, Maryann Mellen; brother, Paul Bruchak and wife, Sachiko; and several nieces and nephews. Edward was predeceased by his brother, John Bruchak.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 31st at 10:00 a.m. in the church, 122 Union St., Catasauqua. Family and friends may call Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Northampton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the church in loving memory of Edward. Online condolences may be offered below.
Read MoreWith deepest sympathy, too you and the family.
Sandra & Terry Voght
December 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Our prayers are with you daily during this difficult time.
DAWN BERNER
December 30, 2021 | COPLAY, PA
We had the honor of beginning our teaching careers at Sheckler Elementary School under the leadership and guidance of our principal, Mr. Bruchak. His expectations of professionalism among his staff and his foresight to implement state of the art curriculum were all done for his one goal, the well-being of each student who came through the doors of his school. We will always remember his dedication to our profession.
Our condolences to the Bruchak Family.
David and Claudette Burker
David and Claudette Burker
December 30, 2021 | North Catasauqua, PA | Coworker
What a wonderful person and a very kind hearted guy. He was everyone's favorite principal in grade school. Very kind man. Rest easy Mr. B.
Tammy Jodry Kurtz
December 29, 2021 | School
Ed hired me as a teacher in 1976 and I was at Sheckler for 14 years. He was a good man who really loved the children and his family. He gave me many opportunities for professional growth, and I learned a lot of lessons from him that I took with me in my career after leaving Sheckler. My sympathy to Tammy and the family.
Bill Conner
December 27, 2021 | Work
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Your father was a great man.He helped me out a lot when he was Principal at Sheckler Elementary School.He will be missed.
james Yastrop
December 26, 2021 | Catasauqua, PA | Friend
I attended sheckler many years ago. I remember the way he would greet students every morning. He was always outside opening car doors and welcoming us in. My sympathy to the family.
Lindsey Smith
December 26, 2021
My sister Paulette and I grew up living next door to the Bruchak family. Rumor has it I always told Eddie I was going to marry him when I grew up. (I guess the 16 yr. age difference didn´t matter to a five year old). I´m the blonde in his arms. I remember him as handsome, intelligent, and kind. My heartfelt sympathy to your family, and to Maryann and Paul. So sorry for your loss.
Diane Paukovits Gerny
December 26, 2021 | Friend
To the family,
It was with sadness that I read of your Dad's death. Mr Bruchak( he told me that I could call him Ed...but I couldn't do that) was the Principal when our son, Michael Miller, attended Sheckler. We shared phone visits and we were both surprised to learn that we both had Ukranian roots. We shared stories and traditions. I will miss those but I will always remember your Dad's smile and helpfulness. May he rest in peace with your Mom. Sending prayers to your entire...
Joan Miller
December 26, 2021 | Catasauqua, PA | Friend