William J. Pushkar, 91, of Monessen, died Saturday, September 11, 2010 in Victoria House III, Monessen.He was born in Monessen on August 11, 1919, the son of the late Stephen and Anna (Bosko) Pushkar. Mr. Pushkar was a resident of Monessen all his life and a member of Epiphany of Our Lord R. C. Church. He was a former member of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, were he served as officer and trustee for many years.He retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation in 1981, after working 46 years as a pipe fitter and clerk.Mr. Pushkar was a Veteran of WW II, having served with the U. S. Army in the 552nd Engineer Heavy Pontoon Battalion in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.He was active in veterans affairs, having decorated veterans graves yearly since 1952. He was a member of the American Legion Post 28 for 65 years, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1190. Mr. Pushkar was a Past President of Monessen Lions Club, served as Sight Conservation Chairman since 1955, and received the highest award in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was also a life member of Monessen Elks Lodge 773, Past President of the Monessen Slovak Home, and had been an active member of numerous clubs in Monessen over the years. He served as Democratic Chairman in Monessen for many years, and also served as Westmoreland County Christmas Seal Chairman in 1969. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John S. Pushkar and Joseph F. Pushkar, a sister, Mary Sirback, and a dear friend Helen Kopko.He is survived by nieces and nephews.Friends will be received on Tuesday, September 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue Monessen, (724-684-8750).Services will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, beginning with a 9:30 am Blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 am Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord R. C. Church. Interment will follow in Holy Name Cemetery, Monessen.Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
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