John Berzonsky, 99, of Smithmill died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014. Born June 24, 1914, in Glen Campbell, he was the son of Wasyl and Fenia (Pohlid) Berzonsky, who preceded him in death.
In his younger years, Mr. Berzonsky attended classes at Penn State College for Mineral Industries. He received numerous certificates of competency and qualification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Mines during his tenure with various coal companies. He retired from coal mining and then worked as a foreman for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, retiring in 1976.
He was a member of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Smithmill, where he held several offices in his lifetime. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Local 1520 for more than 60 years. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.
Mr. Berzonsky was married to Ann (Moskel) Berzonsky, who preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 2002.
He is survived by two daughters, Gail (Robert “Dee”) Albert of Palm Coast, Fla. and Karen (John) Lyle of Vero Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Kara (Allen) Hicks of Great Falls, VA and Ashley Lyle and Brenton Lyle, both of Los Angeles, Calif.; three great-grandchildren, Weston, Garrett and Hadley Hicks; one brother, Stanley Berzonsky of Ramey; two sisters, Ann Petrovich of Danville, VA and Mary Magensky of Akron, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his infant son, John; and seven brothers, Frank, Harry, George, Metro, Michael, Pete and Samuel.
Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. – 10: 15 a.m. Tuesday at the Kruise Funeral Homes Inc., Ramey. After the viewing Tuesday, the Panachida will be sung.
A liturgy will follow at 11 a.m. at the St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Smithmill, with Fr. George Hnatko as celebrant. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Perpetual Care Trust of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, c/o Mr. David Zazworsky, 1100 Haymaker Rd., State College, PA 16801.
Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.