Obituary of Edward T. Strugala

STRUGALA - Edward T. "Mokey," 80, of Nanty Glo, passed away suddenly Jan. 9, 2006, at home. Born Jan. 11, 1925, in Nanty Glo, son of the late Louis and Mary (Ganzer) Strugala. Preceded in death by son, Louis; two infant sons, Ronald and Thomas; grandson, Brian Schirato; brother, Walter; and two infant sisters. Survived by wife of 53 years, the former Betty Mackanick; and children, Theresa, and husband, Daniel Schirato; Karen "Mini," and husband, John Deskevich; Debra, and husband, George Noel, all of Nanty Glo; and Tina, and husband, Peter Fenchak, of Strongstown; grandchildren, Aimee Deskevich, Jason Schirato, Tabatha Fenchak, and Alisha and Karen Noel; and great-grandchildren, Trinity Snyder and Lydia Newman. Also survived by sisters, Frances Zelinsky and Olga Barr, both of Mundys Corner; Helen Volosen, Louise Niebauer and Mary Ann Clark, all of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mokey was a World War II veteran, who served in the U.S. Army and Merchant Marines. He received his Honorable Discharge in December 1946. He worked for Roberts -- Shaffer Construction, where he helped to build the plant, then worked for Bethlehem Mine #33 in Ebensburg until he retired. Member of UMWA. He was a lifetime member of L.O.O.M. #207, Nanty Glo American Legion and active member and officer at the American Polish Citizens Club of Nanty Glo. He bowled, played baseball, and in later years, enjoyed playing horseshoes for the Polish Club. He was an avid fisherman, where he enjoyed fishing at his camp on the Juniata River. Member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Nanty Glo. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo, where vigil prayer service will be held. Funeral Mass, 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Church, Father David S. Peles, celebrant. Committal, St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mokey's memory may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund.