DR. DONALD F. MUSHALKO

MUSHALKO
DR. DONALD F.
Went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at Briarcliff Pavilion in North Huntingdon, PA, after a long illness. The son of the late George and Mary N. Lasota Mushalko. Born April 6, 1930, in McKeesport, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Helen C. Korch Mushalko; and also by a sister, Alice M. Mushalko. He leaves behind to cherish his memory siblings, George A. Mushalko, Edwin (Arlene) Mushalko and Jean M. (Mushalko) Jasiewicz; many nieces and nephews, as well as his late wife's niece, Joanne (Jim) Dorazio. He graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology, majoring in music education and violin. He was Concert Master of Carnegie Mellon's Orchestra for five years under the tutelage of Professor Goesta Andreason. His first music teaching assignment was with the Baldwin School District for approximately ten years, followed by his next assignment at Pittsburgh University Falk School. He completed his Masters and Ph.D. studies at the University of Pittsburgh, teaching there for 40 years. He was also president of the Polish Room at the University of Pittsburgh. His entire life was dedicated to music and keeping his Polish heritage, music and culture in the forefront. A lifetime member of the Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church of McKeesport, he served in various capacities and organizations including the parish council, but most noteworthy was that he served as either choir director or organist for more than 60 years. He was instrumental in naming the Polish Dance Troupe of the parish "Lajkoniki" and seeing that authentic costumes for the group came from Poland after his several visits to Poland, where he taught three semesters at Lodz University. His profound interest in Polish music and culture were second to none. He was Director of the Polish Board United Choirs of the Polish National Catholic Church for over thirty years, singing in many states in the USA and also Canada. He was a member of the National United Choirs of the church where he helped establish a music scholarship for young people affiliated with church. His love for the Polish language and church hymns spurred him on to work over ten years to publish a church hymnal with English translations. He was Vice President of the Kosciuszko Foundation of Pittsburgh and on the Board of Directors of the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City. He was the Director of the Pittsburgh Based song and dance group "Karuzela" Chorus. He was instrumental in organizing "Bal Polonaise" through the Pittsburgh Polish Cultural Council of which he was a member. He will be missed by all those whom he taught to love the polish music both religious, lay and especially by those of us in the immediate family and the church family as well as those he touched with musical talent. Friends will be received on Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the JAYCOX - JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2703 O'Neil Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132, where a Blessing Service will begin on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church with Right Rev. Bernard Nowicki and Rev. Bruce Sleczkowski as celebrants. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, North Versailles, PA. The family suggests memorial contributions to Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church, 1921 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132.
www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com
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