Nicholas A. "Nick" Petrishin Sr.

Nicholas "Nick" A. Petrishin Sr., of Hunlock Creek, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, just 12 days shy of his 97th birthday.

Born on Sept. 30, 1927, in Huntington Mills, Nicholas was the youngest of 10 children of the late Peter and Eva Slota Petrishin.

He was preceded in death by his three sisters and six brothers, all of whom played a role in shaping his early life.

Growing up on a farm, Nicholas developed a strong work ethic, rising early each morning to complete his chores before attending school. During his high school years, amidst World War II, he worked late into the evening at the American Car & Foundry in Berwick, contributing to the war effort by helping to build tanks. Nicholas graduated from Huntington Mills High School in May 1945.

Immediately after high school, Nicholas enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably in the final months of World War II as a fireman first class, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship's boilers and engines. When the Korean War erupted, his sense of duty called him back to service.

Nicholas' early exposure to farm machinery, tanks and Navy ship engines sparked a lifelong passion for motor vehicles. This led to a successful career as a professional driver. After his military service, he earned his trucking license and became a self-employed truck driver, transporting new cars to dealerships across the country. Later, he transitioned to bus driving, working first with Greyhound Bus Lines out of the Port Authority of New York City and then with Motor Transportation Bus Lines. His commitment to passenger safety was evident throughout his career, as he drove millions of miles without a single accident. Nicholas was also known for his deep knowledge of and passion for vintage cars and farm tractors.

In 1955, Nicholas married the love of his life, the late Gloria Englehart Petrishin, and together they raised four children. After Gloria's passing, Nicholas found companionship in the later years of his life with his beloved partner, Mabel Kashetta.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Nicholas Petrishin Jr., in 2022.

Nicholas is survived by his loving children, Donna Hlesciak and her husband, Jeffrey; Anne Aronowitz and her husband, Eric; and Daniel Petrishin and his partner, Tara Mugford-Wilson; and daughter-in-law, Mary Petrishin, wife of the late Nicholas Jr.

Nicholas cherished his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren, Crystal (Jimmy) Dunn; Michael (Melissa) Petrishin; Kassandra (Derek) Wise; Alexandra Hlesciak; Mackenzie Hlesciak; Hannah Aronowitz; Riley Aronowitz; and Amanda Diltz; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

A devoted member of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, Nicholas' faith was central to his life.

Family, friends, and all who knew Nicholas are invited to celebrate his life and legacy. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main St., Plains Twp., immediately followed by procession to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 401 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, for an 11 a.m. funeral service. Interment will be in Fern Knoll Burial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Meadows Nursing Center in Dallas, Pa.; and/or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at 2T2.org.