Very Rev. Thomas Blaschak, of Hermitage, went to be with the Lord at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2024, due to Alzheimer's dementia. He was 92.

Born in Johnstown, Pa., June 25, 1932, Thomas was the youngest son, and third youngest child of nine siblings born to Daniel Blaschak and Mary (Pida) Blaschak.

Thomas was first and foremost devoted to his Orthodox Christian faith.

After serving in the army as Private First Class during the end of the Korean Occupation from Feb. 12, 1953, to Feb. 11, 1955, he attended Christ the Savior Seminary to become a priest and was ordained July 5, 1959.

On June 27, 1959, he married Magdelene Kuzmiak of Conemaugh, who predeceased him on May 20, 2018, after more than 58 years of marriage.

Fr. Tom first served the mission parish in Washington, D.C., and then McKeesport, Lansford, and Hawk Run. He was a devout member of the congregation of St. John's Orthodox Church in Hermitage.

His faith and cultural upbringing defined not only his profession, but his entire life.

Fr. Tom and Pani Maggie served their congregations and family with spiritual devotion. Fr. Tom was a talented Pysanky egg decorator, cross-stitcher, and Slovakian cook and baker - he was known to share these gifts with everyone he met. From Russian tea cookies, nut rolls, and cheregies, to pirohi, Pascha bread, and halushki, he assured the delicacies were filled with dedication, care, and love.

Fr. Tom is survived by his children, T. Matthew (Cindy) Blaschak, Greenville; Nadine (Kevin) Blaschak-Brown, Vallejo, Calif.; Natalie (Phillip) Walker, Greer, S.C.; and Nancy Blaschak, Greensboro, N.C. Fr. Tom is also survived by seven grandchildren, Allyson (Dan) Barr, Tyler (Tara) Blaschak, Garrett (Samantha) Blaschak; Kyra and Colin Brown; and Sophia and Photini Walker. In the last 10 months, he was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Maggie and Bruer, whom he loved very much. His sister, Pani Eleanor Herbert, her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren also survive him.

In addition to his parents, Fr. Tom was preceded in death his brothers George, John, Daniel, and Bill, and his sisters, Anne, Mary, and Carolyn.

The Blaschak progeny carries on through his and Pani Magdalene's children, their children's families, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. Fr. Tom's legacy of altruism and passion for human kindness, many Slovakian recipes, and often silly sense of humor are carried along throughout his entire family. His generous and benevolent soul is a blessed one to have known.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fr. Tom's name to Camp Nazareth, 330 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 and Christ the Savior Cathedral, 300 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906.