Basil Michael Dzwonchyk

Basil Michael Dzwonchyk, a former longtime resident of Browndale, Pa., until 2017, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2021, which was also his 78th birthday, while residing at Aldersgate in Charlotte, N.C.

He was born in 1943 in Carbondale, Pa., a son of the late Basil and Mary (Novobilski) Dzwonchyk of Whites Crossing, Pa. Basil graduated from Lakeland High School in 1962 and then enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Following basic training, he went to Fort Rucker, Ala., and completed a course in aircraft maintenance. After graduation, he served as a flight operations specialist at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and then Fort Eustis, Va., until his honorable discharge in 1965.

Upon returning to Whites Crossing, he operated a gas station with his father. He was then employed by Hendrick Manufacturing in Carbondale for almost 20 years, and then began his coin business full time until he retired in 2016. He also served for 20 years as president of the Scranton Coin Club. Basil was a gifted entrepreneur and sharp, trusted businessman. Many would seek him out for his opinion on their coins.

Basil was a devout Catholic. He was a longtime member of the former St. Agnes Catholic Church and Ascension Parish in Forest City, and then later St. Peter's Catholic Church in Charlotte, N.C.

Basil was a loving husband for 50 years to Patricia (Zalesky) Dzwonchyk, who passed away in 2018. He is survived by his three children, who are Joseph, along with his wife, Ann and their children, Tylor, Connor and Paige of Northumberland, Pa.; Col. (R) James Dzwonchyk, along with his wife, Helen and their children, Casey and Logan of Chesterfield, Va.; and Sara (Dzwonchyk) Zaverl along with her husband, Eric of Charlotte, N.C. Basil was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ann (Dzwonchyk) Petrilak and brother, Joseph Dzwonchyk.

Basil and Patricia moved to Charlotte in June 2017, where they were lovingly cared for by their daughter, Sara and son-in-law, Eric and the staff of both Asbury Skilled Nursing and Cuthbertson Memory Care. During his stay in Charlotte, he made many friends and always enjoyed his time when family would visit, especially when they brought local tasty treats.

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to the excellent caregivers and staff at the Aldersgate community, Charlotte, N.C., whose care and compassion during Basil's stay will not be forgotten.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202.