Michael Walchko Jr., 92, WWII US Army Veteran
Michael Walchko, Jr., age 92, of Lorain, affectionately known as the “Candy Man” to residents and caregivers at Amherst Manor, died peacefully there on Monday June 1st.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Dec. 4, 1916 and had been a resident of Lorain since 1924.
Mr. Walchko was a World War II Veteran of the United States Army where he fulfilled duty assignments as a Corporal attached to the 7th Infantry Artillery Division. He was the recipient of the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Stars along with the Good Conduct Medal.
He was employed as a millwright for the Lorain-Cuyahoga Works of the United States Steel Corporation; he retired in 1978 following a career that spanned forty-two years with the steel producer.
Mike was an active parishioner of St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church where he served as an usher and offeratory counter; he also volunteered countless hours of his time to various church fund-raising activities. He was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Nicholas and received recognition as Holy Name Man of the year in 1995.
Mr. Walchko was an accomplished dancer and competed in a variety of dance contests throughout the north shore region with his sister, Olga. He was also a fan of Big Band Music and was privileged to have met Cab Calloway while he was performing in the Cleveland area. Additional interests included bowling, woodworking, gardening, and all sports in general.
He is survived by daughters Jan Walchko-Dominguez (husband Javier) residing in Sherman Oaks, California, Karen Thomas (husband Dave) and Patsy Maderitz both of Lorain, grandchildren Derek Thomas, Jennifer Britt, Michael Maderitz and T.J. Maderitz, and by sister Olga Wyvill of Avon Lake.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary (nee Mahilo) in 2007, by his father Michael Walchko, Sr. in 1962, by his mother Millie Walchko (nee Durnak) in 1981, by his brother Paul Walchko, and by sisters Anna Ferency, Mary Fecho, Betty Shewell, and Irene Wyvill.
Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain with the recitation of a Parish Rosary and will be followed by a Parastas service at 3:30 p.m. The family will continue to receive visitors until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday beginning with Panachida services at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel. The Divine Liturgy will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 West 40th Street with the Reverend Nicholas Rachford, Pastor of the parish presiding. Entombment will follow in the Resurrection Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans.
The family encourages memorial contributions to St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 West 40th St., Lorain, OH 44053 or to New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053.
To leave on-line condolences for the family please visit www.gluvna.net.