William Andrew Nalevanko, 89, of Olyphant, passed into his new life with his Lord, family and friends on Thursday at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Florence Novak.
Born Dec. 23, 1926 in Olyphant, son of the late Elmer J. and Veronica Novajovsky Nalevanko, he graduated from St. Patrick's High School, Olyphant, and attended St. Thomas College - now the University of Scranton - before being drafted into the Army during World War II.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Olyphant to manage the family business, Olyphant Bottling Co. Inc. He served as board chairman and president for many years, until his retirement in 1992. Under his leadership, the family designed and built a new warehouse and distribution center in 1972 on the Burke Bypass to enlarge the enterprise. The business moved from its Delaware Avenue location, which remained in-service as a delivery truck and excess stock storage facility.
Bill was devoted to his family, his faith and his community. He was proud of each of his children's and grandchild's personal and professional accomplishments, and quick to tell anyone he met about their latest adventures and successes. Not only his children and grandchild, but his son-in-law, nieces and nephews thought of him as a best friend. Bill was a lifelong member of the former Holy Ghost Church, now part of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant, and served in its Holy Name Society and the church's all-male choir.
Active in all aspects of community involvement, he worked church bazaars and cookouts, fire company picnics and fundraisers from Olyphant to Montrose, and almost all places in-between and political "clambakes."
Bill was a charter member of Olyphant Hose Company 2, where his father served as the Borough's first Fire Chief. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, Raymond Henry Post 327, as well as the Olyphant Rotary Club. He served as a board director for the former National Bank of Olyphant, now Community Bank and Trust. He also served as an Olyphant Borough Councilman from 1993-1997, upon retirement from the family business. He was a sports fan, and particularly supported Syracuse University and the New York Yankees, among others.
Surviving are children, William F., Olyphant; Donna Mroczka and husband, Atty. Frank D. Mroczka, Dunmore; and a grandson, Armond J., Washington, D.C. He is also survived by a sister, Marie and brother-in-law, Edward Maceyko; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by four sisters, Philomena Lazarewicz, Louise Briganti, Dorothy Nalevanko and Anna Nalevanko; and two brothers, Elmer Jr. and Robert; and three sons, Francis, Joseph and Thomas.
The family would like to especially thank the staff of LIFE Geisinger, and the staff on both second and third floor south and the volunteers and supporters of Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, both located in Scranton, and AseraCare Hospice, Clarks Summit, for their loving care and support.
Funeral services with Military Honors will be conducted Monday with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Parish, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant. Interment, St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Scott Road, Blakely. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m in the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant. Olyphant Fire Department members should assemble at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Fire Station 2 on Willow Avenue, and then proceed to the funeral home to pay their respects. Those attending the funeral are asked to proceed directly to church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Gino J. Merli Canteen Fund.