William W. Blyshak
William W. Blyshak, a lifelong resident of Allegheny County and Monongahela and a U.S. Army veteran, died peacefully Tuesday, January 30, 2018, in Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington.
Born October 16, 1926, in Bunola, he was a son of the late Simon and Mary Myrga Blyshak. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 25 years, Barbara Protz, in 1981. He retired from Ingram Barge Co., Ohio Barge Line, as a chief dispatcher.
He was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting with his brother and his son. His gardening skills produced bountiful supplies of tomatoes, peppers and zucchini, which he shared with many friends. He was a member of Victory Hill Gun Club, where he was an avid trap shooter for decades.
He is survived by his son, William M. Blyshak; daughters Susan DeBerardinis, Karen (James Chisholm), Donna Blyshak (Alex Acero) and Nancy Blyshak. His greatest joys in life were his six grandchildren, Jill and Leah DeBerardinis, Spencer and Blake Chisholm, and Nicolas and Marcos Acero. He is survived by his loving partner of 30-plus years, Peggy Caringola, with whom he enjoyed “dancing the night away” doing the polka and swing. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister-in-law, Dorothy Protz; nieces Brett Blyshak (William H. Mattison Jr.), Beth (Richard Prewitt) and Amy (Stephen Gresh); his nephews Nicholas Blyshak (Camille Carrithers) and Michael (Monica) Protz III, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Nicholas; his half brothers, John, Harry, Michael and Samuel; his half sister, Ann Mehrkamper; brother-in-law Michael Protz Jr.; and sister-in-law Yvonne L. Blyshak.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900. Prayers will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, in the funeral home followed by a funeral liturgy at 11 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, 511 Murray Avenue, Donora, with the Rev. Stephen Wahal as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Donora.
The staff of Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare provided Mr. Blyshak with special care over the past 2½ years.
To share a condolence visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.