Walter A. Kuharchik, Sr., 89, of West Pittston passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center, Scranton, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and generosity felt by many across the Wyoming Valley.
Born in Exeter, on August 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Walter and Mary Zasimovich Kuharchik.
Wally graduated from Exeter High School, Class of 1953 and attended Wilkes College. He proudly served in the United States Army and later the US Marine Corps. Reserves.
In 1973, with a ladder and blue pick-up truck, Wally Kuharchik started an electrical business in his garage, specializing in traffic signals. Today Kuharchik Construction employs more than 150 people and works on infrastructure projects up and down the east coast. Thanks to his work ethic, pride, and dedication to employees, the company he started in Exeter, PA more than 50 years ago has made an impact on the lives of millions of Americans and their everyday commutes.
A talented golfer, Wally’s name appears on tournament plaques hung on the walls of several golf clubs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Wally was a 52-year member and past president of Fox Hill Country Club, the 2024 McCarthy Tournament Honoree and member at Wyoming Valley Country Club, member and supporter of Emanon Country Club, Irem Country Club and Glenmaura Nation Golf Club. One of his fondest memories of golf, was placing 2nd in the Pennsylvania Senior Amateur Championship.
After his fellow golf-enthusiasts tell you about the times he went searching for golf balls, they will likely bring up Wally’s generous nature. Whether it be something as simple as advice, or as in-depth as an equipment and labor need, Wally was quick to respond to any request for assistance, no matter the circumstances.
Wally was a member of the Exeter American Legion, as well as, Masonic Lodge #395 and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacqueline Marie Murphy and granddaughter, Haley Stuscavage, as well as, brothers, Donald Kuharchik and Thomas Kuharchik and sisters, Teresa McNeil and Marion Mallard.
He is survived by his loving wife Rhoda, “Dodie” Kuharchik, sons, Walter Kuharchik, Jr., Michael Kuharchik (Arlene), George Stuscavage (Tassey) and daughter, Dodie L. Stuscavage, son-in-law, Leonard Murphy, grandchildren, Ashley Kuharchik, Walter Kuharchik III (Kaithlyn), Sarah Kuharchik, Amber Baker (John), Stephanie Kuharchik, Allison Kuharchik, and Michael Kuharchik, Jr., Ryan Murphy, Congressman-Elect Robert Bresnahan, Jr. (fiancé Chelsea Strub) and Megan Conforti (Angelo), 7 great- grand children and numerous, nieces’ nephews and cousins.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday November 23, 2024 at 11am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston. The family will receive friends and relatives from 9am till time of mass in the church. Private interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC.
Memorial donations made be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, SPCA of Luzerne County, or to the donors’ choice.