It is with sadness that the family of Alex T. Shalkey announce his unexpected death on Friday, July 10, 2020. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Born to Mary (Zipay) and Alex Shalkey in Montdale, Pa., on Jan. 13, 1928, he thoroughly enjoyed a boy's childhood in the country. His love of the outdoors would last a lifetime.
He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps upon turning 18, achieving the rank of technical sergeant, and serving in cryptography.
After leaving the service, he enrolled in Keystone Junior College and went on to Penn State, graduating with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He accepted a position at IBM Endicott, where he spent his 35-year career in both engineering and management roles, innovating with IBM's most advanced impact printer technologies.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. The annual fishing trips to Canada with friends and family remain lasting memories.
A voracious reader since childhood, he especially enjoyed science fiction, World War II aviation history, Isaac Asimov and James Michener. The morning newspaper's crossword puzzle was never unsolved.
He thoroughly enjoyed the company of his many longtime friends, including the Harringtons, Krowiaks, Fairbrothers, Pratkos, Pinters, Rindos, Griffiths, Chocolatys, Wangs, Changs and Cavanaughs. He was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal, N.Y., for 60 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Alex; a brother, Edward, of Delhi, N.Y.; a sister, Marie Greene of Williamson, N.Y.; and lifelong friends, William and Marie Popovich.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Josephine (Serafini) Shalkey; two sons, Mark of Corning, N.Y.; and Eric of Methuen, Mass.; a daughter, Diana of Woburn, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Drs. Michael Colella, Lawrence Pecora and David Sperber for their dedication in maintaining Alex's eyesight until his death.
To those who wish to pay their respects but are wary or at-risk in the current COVID-19 environment, please stay safe and offer prayers for Alex and his family.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Twp. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until service time in the church. Appropriate precautions are being taken for public health concerns, including masks and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alex's name to the Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., willseye.org/giving, to advance research in glaucoma and eye health for those with diabetes.
Arrangements entrusted to the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant, Pa.