Donald E. "Ski". Gawelski Obituary (1928

Donald E. "Ski". Gawelski, 83, of Big Beaver Boro; died Thursday March 15, 2012 in Heritage Valley Beaver. Born May 29, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI. Son of the late Joseph & Eleanor ( Wolhust) Gawelski. He serviced in the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd Infantry Division, then in the US Navy during the Korean War. He retired from Beaver County Trucking in 1984, and was a member of St. Philomena Parish. He enjoyed fishing & camping, and his annual vacation to Myrtle Beach. He is survived by his wife of 59yrs Ginny(Mangno) Gawelski, whom he married December 13, 1952. Five children and their spouses, Donnie & Penny Gawelski, Marienville; Diana & Jim Franchi, Big Beaver; Dana & Greg Dillan, Darlington; Denise & Jim Allison, Beaver Falls; and Darcie & Tim Keller, Big Beaver. A son-in-law, John Stefura, Koppel. 15 grandchildren and their spouses Christopher (Shara) Stefura; Stacy (Tony) Martella; Lisamarie Stefura; Jamie( Richard) Morris; Erin ( James) Barkey; Bethann & Tori Franchi; Travis, Tara, & Trey Dillan; Dylan Sowers; Isaac Keller; Joel ( Kassi) Weiss; John Weiss; Stephanie ( Bill) Lamoreaux. Six great- grandchildren, Carmen & Geno Martella; Anthony, Giovanni, & Carmello Morris; Maddison Barkey; Jalynn Weiss; & Davis Lamoreaux. Many nieces & nephews, four sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter Diane Gawelski, 1958; a daughter Donna Stefura, 2002; two sisters Mildred Tischendorf and Loren Javorak. Friends will be received Sunday from 12-4 PM & 6-8 PM in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com , 3801 Fourth Avenue, College Hill, Beaver Falls, where prayers will be recited Monday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Philomena Parish, with Fr. James Farnan as celebrant. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Big Beaver Boro. Members of the Veteran Honor Guard will meet at the cemetery Monday at 10:45AM to provide military honors. Memorial contributions may be made if desired to Lupus Foundation, Landmarks Building 100 W. Station Square Drive, Suite 1920, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.