Samuel Stanchak, 89, a resident of West Wyoming, fell asleep in the Lord early Saturday morning, April 6, 2013, at Manor Care Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kingston, where he was a guest for the past eleven days.

His beloved wife was the late Mary (Hubal) Stanchak, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 29, 2008. Together, Sam and Mary shared 59 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on August 03, 1923 in Olyphant, Sam was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Raulak) Stanchak.

Sam was raised in Lackawanna County where he graduated from high school. Sam and Mary resided in West Wyoming for nearly sixty years.

A United States Army Veteran, Sam honorably served his country during World War II in the European Theatre. During his time of service, he was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on October 14, 1945, Sam attained the rank of Private 1^st Class.

Prior to his retirement, Sam was employed as a meat cutter in the food service department of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township. Additionally, Sam worked part-time as a meat cutter for the A&P Supermarkets throughout the local area.

Sam was a faithful member of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, Edwardsville. Dedicated to his church, Sam was actively involved with the church’s various functions and fundraisers. Sam also held membership with the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville.

A man of many enjoyments, Sam especially enjoyed working in his garden and taking walks around his neighborhood.   

Sam will be remembered for the deep love and devotion he had for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Anna Stanchak, and his wife, Mary, Sam was preceded in death by his brothers, Mitch and Michael Stanchak.

Sam is survived by his sons, John Stanchak and his wife Patricia, of Marietta, Georgia; Frank Stanchak and his wife Elaine, of Swoyersville; Mark Stanchak and his wife Brenda, of Larksville; his grandchildren, Edward Stanchak and his wife Allison; Melissa Evans and her husband Will; Katie Stanchak and Mark Stanchak; his great-grandchildren, Robbie Stanchak and Charlie Evans; his brother, John Stanchak and his wife Stella, of West Windsor, New York; numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at 9:00 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Requiem Service at 9:30 AM in Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, 93 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville.

Interment will follow in Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Pringle, where Military Honors will be accorded the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 09, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Parastas Services will be celebrated on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM with the Very Reverend David Shewczyk, officiating.

For additional information or to send the Stanchak Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Sam’s memory to Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, 93 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville, PA 18704 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011.