Basil Lynch

May 10, 2010

Basil C. Lynch, Artist, died peacefully May 10, 2010, in the arms of his beloved wife, Catherine, and was also in the presence of his most celebrated painting, "Mary, Mother of God," known the world over. Artist, painter, illustrator and sculptor with far-reaching talent and scope, a renaissance man who dedicated his life to the practice and principles of excellence in Art, he was born August 4, 1922, to the late Peter and Catherine Mazurkevitch Lynch, of Meyers Street, Edwardsville. He was educated in the Edwardsville School District and graduated in 1940. He joined Walt Disney Studios as an illustrator of animation working on "Thumper" and "Bambi" to name a few. He was called to active military duty in 1942 and served in the 10th Armored Division, 3rd Tank Battalion under General Patton. He was a tank commander from "Metz to Bastogne" and Corps Gunner. He pursued higher education with GI Bill at Federal Art School in Minneapolis, Bloomsburg University and Penn State University. He formed the Basil Lynch Studio in 1948 and illustrated for National Acct. Lyons & Carnahan (text book publisher), ACF Industries in Berwick (railroad passenger cars), Beistle Corp., Shoe Chains, National: J S Raub, Triangle, Miles, Regal and Herbert Rose Co. Basil and Catherine married on October 7, 1950, at Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre. Catherine, a Registered Nurse, retired from Nesbitt Memorial Hospital after many years of dedicated service. Basil was an active parishioner at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Kingston, and past president of the Holy Name Society for many years. He was also an active leader in the Chamber of Commerce. He will be sadly missed as his charismatic presence, compassion and humanity touched many. Surviving are the former Catherine Buzick, his wife; his son, Basil Jr., and wife Michele Edwards-Lynch, Wilkes-Barre, his daughter, Marian, and husband Michael Byrnes, Kingston. He had six beautiful and loving grandchildren, Joseph Lynch, Florida; Katie Lynch, New Jersey; Tyler Lynch, Wilkes-Barre; Peter, Michelle and Catherine Byrnes, Kingston. Surviving are also his brother, John Lynch, and wife Ann, Kingston. He had several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Avenue, Kingston, with Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Byzantine Church. Interment will be in the St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Edwardsville. Friends may call today, from 4 to 7 p.m. Panachida will be held today at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 321 Chestnut Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704