Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dennis Pychinka Obituary
Dennis Lee Pychinka, 59, of Sedona, Ariz., formerly of Allentown, died Saturday, February 10, 2007 in his home. Born in Allentown, February 18, 1947, he was the son of the late Michael and Lucille (Mack) Pychinka. Dennis retired from K Heeps Meats, Allentown. He was a member of the Beaver Creek Kiwanis Club, Lake Montezuma, Ariz. He was a 1965 graduate of William Allen High School and attended Indiana State University, where he was a member of the varsity football team and also was a member of the TKE Fraternity. Dennis faithfully and honorably served in the Army as a linguist during the Vietnam War. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Merrily (Schaffer) Pychinka, he is also survived by his daughter, Jill, wife of John Schlack and their children, Kasey, Gwen and Jake, of Pittman, N.J.; sons, Lee Pychinka, Aaron Custer and his daughter, Morgan, and Bret Custer, all of Allentown; brothers, Robert, husband of Annette, of Indianapolis, Indiana, David, husband of Robin, and Joseph, of Allentown; sisters, Linda, wife of Gerald Krepak, Jean E., wife of William Reese, both of New Tripoli, Rose, wife of Michael Long, of Slatington; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael. Services: Visitation period will be 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2007 in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11th and Washington streets, Allentown, followed by a memorial Mass of a Christian Burial at 11 a.m. The Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville, is in charge of local arrangements. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to RTA Hospice & Palliative Care, 70 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite A, Sedona, AZ 86351 or Beaver Creek Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 5054, Lake Montezuma, AZ 86342.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Pychinka
February 18, 2008
I miss you so much.
February 10, 2008
The heavens rejoiced,
The angels smiled:
I mourned, I cried.
You are safe in my heart
Until we meet again!
dinelle wolfe/kurz
December 14, 2007
Hi Den,
Well it is that time of the year again. Remembering all the lights you always put up. Never enough lights. Also, the party you had every xmas for the neighborhood...they were fun times that still remain an open sore for all of us. I think of you a lot and wish it could be different. I know tht you would not want us to pine away...I can hear you now.....bunch of cry babies. We will feel your presence with us xmas eve and hope that you are joining us in spirit. Merry christmas !!!
Love
Dinny
Dinelle wolfekurz
September 25, 2007
Hi Den,
I really miss you !! thought of you alot yesterday while driving home from Pittsburgh. Don't know why but memories have a way of interupting the most ordinary day.
The void that you left behind does not seem to get smaller. Seems like every passing day is further away from hearing that contagious laugh of yours. I wish things could be the same and I could call you up and be totally crazy.You always had a way of making the day seem less stressful. I look up at the sky and hope that my gaze is felt by you. Miss you so much...love ya lots
Dinny
Merrily Pychinka
September 19, 2007
HI Honey
I just signed Guy Ackley's guest book and it was very difficult to write to Fran. Recieving the news on Saturday night just brought back all the sadness from your death. I miss you more and more and I know it is suppose to be getting better but I just can not find a sense of peace. Loneliness and sadness is just a part of my life. I feel your presence all the time and I keep your pennies you continue to send me but I miss your smile, your touch and just you. My life is just horrible and I try so hard to make it through the days. I have gotten good at letting most everyone think I am doing well but you and I both know that is not the case. Well as you know I am sitting here crying and wishing I could just hold you and have you hold me. I have turned the house and moving over to youand God but I am not certain letting go of the last connection to you here in AZ will be the answer. So if you could send me some other signs that I am headed in the right direction that would be great. Good Night Honey.
Merrily
dinelle wolfe/kurz
July 5, 2007
Hi Den,
Missing you so much this week. Merrily is home and it all seems so surreal. She is having tough days with out you by her side. You seem to pop up at the strangest times. Well...what would we expect from you...keep sending her your signs..she really needs them. We talk about you alot and laugh about many of our memories. You see...you left us with alot of good memories and only you could provide us with the wisdom to enjoy the important things in life.
I bought some yogurt raisins the other day and it remimded me of you shopping at Redners. Licorice and all the good fat free stuff. Thanks for showing me the way in so many things that you never knew you did . Miss you so much.
love,
Dinny
Merrily Pychinka
June 18, 2007
HiHoney,
I know you know how I am feeling but let me tell you my life is so sad without you. There is not a moment during the day that you are not on my mind. Fathers day was so difficult for me and I spoke to the boys and it was tough on them. My life is going to work and coming home and watering all the plants. I miss you being on the back porch waiting for me each day when I pulled up. Sometimes when I come home I know that you have been in the house, atleast your spirit but I just can not imagine living any longer with out you. I am so confused right now in wondering if I should move home or to stay here. I have decided to put that concern in God's hands. The pain in my heart is unbearable and I only hope that some day I will be able to except that I will always miss you. Since 1964 you have been my soulmate and I am truly lost now. I love and miss you more each day. They say things get better but I am not so sure about that.
Good Night Honey
Merrily
dinelle wolfe
June 18, 2007
Hi Den,
Thought about you a lot yesterday. Wish you could still be here for all the holidays. The pool is getting warm and it is always a reminder of you and Merrily. You were our resident swimmer. So many thoughts of you seem to crop up all the time. Not a day goes by without my heart feeling sad for missing you in Merrily's life, Keep sending her signs of comfort. She really needs them.
Love
Dinny
June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day Daddy!!
I love You
dinelle wolfekurz
June 5, 2007
Hi Den,
Missing you so much. We drove past Heeps last night and I remembered all the fun I had sleeping over at the campsite. You getting up and kissing us good bye in the wee hours of the morning. You always buying me milk and cereal. It is weird how all the small things in life seem to be the most memorable. Many times there is a real empty feeling that comes over me and I know at the minute that some things will never be the same.We saw lee and Devon the other night, Lee is almost as as quick witted as you. You taught him well.I think so much about the last few months before you reached heaven and I cherish the fun conversations and relive them frequently. Your memory continues to spirit us everyday. Keep sending us your love.... we need it.
Miss you,
Dinny
dinelle wolfe/kurz
May 3, 2007
Hi Den,
Was over at the flea market on 24th St. Wished I was walking along with you. Remembered the fun times we had finding the perfect "junk" to take home . Settled to look at the flowers (you would have told me to go to Dan Schantz). I think of you every day and it always manages to bring a smile to my face. I am remembering to savor the little moments in life. Keep shining down on us, we need your warmth .
Love Ya
Dinny
dinelle wolfe/kurz
April 23, 2007
Hi Den,
You were close by me when I was in sunny Florida. Thought of you and your love of nature many times. Wish I could call and tell you about the awesome birds we saw. I am sure you would be able to educate both Warren and me. Miss you so much and especially how you taught me not to sweat the small stuff. Cleaned the patio furniture and recalled the many dinners we shared last year on the patio. Wish I could have one last one ! Thanks for all the reminders in our every day life.
Merrily Pychinka
April 18, 2007
Hi Honey,
I have been busy planning your Celebration of Life. Although this is emotionally difficult for me, I am sure you agree that all of our friends here in AZ have been wonderful to the both of us. This celebration will give me an opportunity to thank all of them and to honor you. It surely will be different than the one in PA. Here it is a causal day and I know you would want it that way. As each day passes this new journey for me seems to become more and more difficult. I just do not know who I really am without you by my side. The sunrise and sunsets are a reminder to me that the best part of the day is empty without you sharing it with me. Every waking moment right now is a feeling of being half whole. I know you would not want me to be so sad so I will try to add some happiness into me life. But when you told me that I would get through this you had no clue how hard it would be. I miss you with all my heart.
Love,
Merrily
April 9, 2007
Hi Dennis,
Missed you at this Holiday. The arrival of Spring is not as joyful as it was. Send your sunshine and laughter our way. Thinking of you everyday.
Love,
Dinny
Merrily Pychinka
April 6, 2007
Hi Honey,
This is not easy for me. I ask God every day why you had to go, I simply do not understand it. Easter day will be a sad day and I will have you in my heart as I always do. I hold onto the thought that I will be with you in the future.
I Love you and miss you so much.
Mag
March 31, 2007
Hi Merrily,
I hope you got my email. I've been thinking about you!
Mary
Merrily Pychinka
March 30, 2007
Hi Honey,
The last few days have been very difficult. You know we take things for granted and then when they are gone you realize how simple things are so important. I miss holding your hand, putting my feet next to you in bed to keep them warm, that glance when we want to tell each other something without talking and we know what each other is thinking. A simple kiss or hug is so comforting and not to have you there to give the hug or kiss is so difficult. I know that you are close to me in spirit but this is not fun without you. I miss and love you so much it really is hard to make it through a day without you.
Love,
Me
Mary Geschel
March 26, 2007
Dear Jill,
Lauren and I were both very sorry to read about your dad's death. I knew him for such a long time and always thought he was a really sweet guy. Lauren's dad and he were friends from high school.
My father passed away the same day, so I wasn't able to come to the viewing or funeral. I know how sad it is to lose your father. I still have a hard time believing my dad isn't alive anymore.
You have been in my thoughts.
Alan & Barbara Spacone
March 25, 2007
Dear Merrily, You know we would have been in PA for you if at all possible. Dennis has touch our lives so much in our short time knowing you. We will also miss him so much. But you know we will be there for you in AZ. Your next door neighbors in AZ...See you soon. our love, Barbara & Alan & John Luby
Merrily Pychinka
March 21, 2007
Hi Honey,
Life is empty without you here. Last night was really bad I cried from 7PM to 3AM but I guess you already know this. Work does keep me busy during the day but my days are no longer the same. I just want you to know that I love you with all my heart.
Merrily
dinelle wolfe/kurz
March 19, 2007
Hey Den,
Thinking of you lots !! the cloth pins are always a constant reminder of you. Missing our morning talks. Still talk to you...are u listening?? I think so. I misss our laughter together.
Love
Dinny
Kalean Sue Beck
March 14, 2007
Words can not explain the bond Doug and Dennis had and the awesome times the BOY and the GIRL had while in Arizonia.
We were truley blessed to have been a part of his life.
RIP LOVE ALWAYS DOUG & KALEAN
Lisa Evans
February 26, 2007
Merrily I was so surprised when Sam told me of Dennis' passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Beck
February 26, 2007
Merrily, I so sorry for your loss. Even though I just met Dennis, I knew he was a great guy. Earl and myself had a nice time with the two of you and I would like to thank you again... please take care and contact me......luv Marcia
rose pychinka
February 25, 2007
Lfor being a part of my life. We all are related by blood or love. !!!!!!!
rml pychinka
February 25, 2007
rml
Dona McIntire
February 25, 2007
Dear Merrily,
It has been many, many years since I've have seen the both of you. But the two of you were meant to spend your lives together. Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrea Madochick
February 25, 2007
Lee,
So sorry to hear about your Dad passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself.
Dave, Andrea, David and Matt Madochick
Georgine Kilpatrick
February 25, 2007
Dear Pychinka Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It was quite a shock to hear of Dennis's passing. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. Know that you and Dennis will be remembered in my prayers.
Your cousin, Georgine
Please contact
Ardda Hersh
February 24, 2007
The Pychinka family:
I am saddened to read of Dennis' passing. William Allen memories would not be the same without Dennis being part of them. My condolences to all of you.
(WAHS Class of '66)
Mrs. Carol (Heilman) Derr
February 24, 2007
Dear Linda & family,
So sorry for your loss. You may not remember me. We used to ride together when we were kids. I wanted you to know I was thinking of you.
The Bannars
February 24, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. He had a wonderful take on life and an outstanding sense of humor. Peace to all who shared time with Dennis.
James and Linda Mack Jr
February 24, 2007
Merrily, We were so shocked when we read the paper on Wed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.See you at the Funeral home. Jimmy and Linda Mack Jr.
MERRILY PYCHINKA
February 24, 2007
I LOVE YOU DENNIS AND YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY BEST FRIEND.
LIFE WITH YOU HAS BEEN AN ADVENTURE AND I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.
LOVE,
MERRILY
Mary Ann Miller
February 23, 2007
Merrily:
My heart sank when I read the newspaper. My sincere sympathy goes out to You and Your Family.
Joe & Maria Tomcho
February 23, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Billie Chubb
February 23, 2007
Dear Merrily,
Dennis will be truly missed by all. My heart goes to all of you at this time. I truly know the pain your feeling and can only tell you that time is all that can make each day easier. No that he loved you with all his heart and look back on all the good memories you had to keep you going. Thats what still keeps me going. Love, Billie
Donna Dottery
February 23, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Merrily you and Dennis were two of the most positive influences in my life I send my love and heart felt condolences to you and your family
Russell Hall
February 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Pychinka family on the passing of Dennis. Former K-heeps employee.
Tucker Hafner
February 23, 2007
Merrily & the entire Pychinka Family,
Dennis was truly a good, humble man who always knew how to make us laugh even during the darkest times. Always smiling and full of insightful wisdom! Our family has lost yet another dear friend! He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
I know you and my dad, Tom, are raising hell up there! Sleep well my friend!
The Hafner Family,
Tucker, Deb, and Katie
Mary Anne Looby
February 22, 2007
Dear Merrily, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Mary Anne (Foux) Looby
Dinelle Kurz
February 22, 2007
If you needed a smile...Dennis would provide it
If you needed a practical solution,,,Dennis was the guy
If you needed to enjoy the simple pleasures of life...Dennis could teach you
If you wanted to enjoy nature and the universe....Dennis was the mentor
Few people live as courageously as Dennis did. And fewer yet are truly at peace with themselves. He was the most honest and moral of men . Dennis taught us many things and I can only hope to continue learning from him as I journey this life with respect for his memory.May his laughter and humor live on in our hearts forever.
Dinelle wolfe/kurz
Vanessa & John Egan
February 22, 2007
We feel so Blessed to have Dennis come into our lives. Even though it was just for a short time his spirit touched us and we will greatly miss him. Merrily we are here for you if you need anything, especially when you return to AZ. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family and friends.
Ray Roche
February 22, 2007
Merrily & Family,
Glad Linda & I got to spend time with you and Dennis on February 2 at your home in Arizona.Those we love and care about leave us here to grieve but also leave good memories of the time spent together. May Dennis be free of pain and rest in peace.
Ray & Linda Roche
Jerry Monahan
February 22, 2007
Merrily and the Entire Pychinka Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dennis. Rest easy knowing that Dennis is in a much better place looking down very proudly over his family.
Kathleen (Mack) Rutan
February 22, 2007
Sending prayers to you. From a daughter of a cousin.
fred fischer
February 22, 2007
merrily, you are in our thoughts at this very sad time. we have many fond memories of you and dennis. sincerely, fred and carol fischer
Bruce Hanna
February 22, 2007
Dear Merrily, brothers ,sisters and children
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis and I go back 45 years. I have the fondest of memorys and will never forget those times we shared.
Deanna Caldwell
February 22, 2007
Lee,
I'm so sorry about your dad. I didn't really know him that well but if you resemble him in any way, I know that he was a great man. You and Devon know I'm here for you guys. If there's anything I can do please let me know.
With Love,
Carol & Bud Beidler
February 22, 2007
Dear Merrily, It is with sincere sadness that we write to your entire family today. We have many, many memories of Dennis and mountains of love for him and all of you. God will be with all of you as he widens the heavens for Dennis to get through! Love, Carol & Bud
February 22, 2007
Dennis will alway's have a special place in our hearts with all the things he taught us and the fun times we had working with him,he was definately a unique person!
K.Heep's Nightshift
Lori
February 21, 2007
You will be missed
Bill Pendry
February 21, 2007
It's so hard to believe that Denny's gone: the other guard on Allen's 1964 football team. He on the left, me on the right. He will always live in my memory as the young, energetic athlete with the great sense of humor. I was blessed to have known him and to have competed with him!
Barbara (Fallstich) Henry
February 21, 2007
Linda & Jean and families,
I remember the map of Vietnam on the wall of your of your parents dining room, with the pins in all the places they received mail from when Dennis was serving his country and how proud you all were. Also, walking home on 11th Street from St. Francis school with him and the other guys and thinking how cool we were walking with them.
Sending my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Rachel Wehr
February 21, 2007
Merrily,
We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You are a wonderful person and deserve the best in life. Take care of yourself,
Rachel Wehr and The Team at Stortz & Associates
Molly Martis
February 21, 2007
Lee,
Im very sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....take care and if you need anything don't hesitate to call.
<33 Molly
Kay McLaughlin
February 21, 2007
Dear Merrily,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I remember my trip to Sedona last year and how you and Dennis welcomed me and made the trip that much more special. The hiking, dinner and lovely keepsake made by Dennis will always remind me of the two of you. Thank you and Dennis for the beautiful memory.
Niki (Sabol) Richards
February 21, 2007
Such sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I feel like not long ago we were traveling to North Carolina for vacation.Whenever I see a sand dollar I think of Dennis, may you be blessed with more happy memories as the days pass. Much love from all of us, Niki, Tim and Taylor
Bonnie Sabol
February 21, 2007
Jilly, I'm so sorry Sweetheart, your Dad will be missed by many. He was a great guy. Call me or stop in if you need anything, even if its just to talk.
I'm here for you Sweetheart
Bonnie (Niki's Mom)
PAM KHOURY
February 21, 2007
I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF GROWING UP WITH DENNIS AND HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS,GOING TO SCHOOL AND CHURCH AT ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI.OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU MERRILY AND YOUR FAMILY.,I KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HEARTS ARE HURTING AND HOW MUCH DENNIS WILL BE MISSED.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.SINCERELY,PAM AND JIM KHOURY
Ed & Patty Schickling
February 21, 2007
Our heart felt wishes & condolances go out to all of you. You're in our prayers.
Joe Boyle
February 21, 2007
I go back in the day, a friend of Jeannie and Bill.Wanted to express my sincere sympathy
Sue Evers
February 21, 2007
Just to let you know that you are in my thoughts.May time soften the pain until all that remains is the beauty of the memories...and the love, always the love. Sue Evers
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Pychinka's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Pychinka
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Pychinka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
