Terry F. Podvasnik
Terry F. Podvasnik, 68, of Slippery Rock passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family at 7:46 p.m. Wednesday following a three month illness.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1944, in Pittsburgh to Ladislaus and Bertha Bauer Podvasnik.
He retired as an owner operator after having spent his entire life in the transportation industry, where he was both an over the road driver and mechanic for his vehicles and equipment.
He was a member of the West Liberty Borough Council from 1987 until his death.
Terry's favorite hobby was helping friends and family. He loved to attend auctions and work on cars. His true passion was driving his 18 wheeler from coast to coast with his wife and dog by his side. He believed in teaching by example and left us all quite a legacy.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Mary Sinkevich Charpentier Podvasnik, to whom he would have celebrated 25 years of marriage next month.
He was the loving father of nine children, Ruth (Sean) Podvasnik Dorrier of Harrisville, Linda Podvasnik Charpentier of Evans City, Michael (Christine) Podvasnik of Orlando, Fla., Christopher (Kim) Podvasnik of Phoenixville, Pa., Donna (Rob) Kessler Walters of Vandergrift, Pa., William Kessler of Cranberry Township, Michael Charpentier of Butler, Richard Charpentier of Butler and Mary Charpentier Wetzel of Chicora. He was the devoted grandfather of Kaileigh, Tori and Ryan Dorrier, Crystalynn (Tyler) Charpentier Saklad, Laurissa and Erica Charpentier, Nicholas and Courtney Podvasnik, Donald “DJ” Walters, Samantha and Dillon Wetzel and Kenzie, Gwen and Lexie of Orlando, Fla.; and a great- granddaughter, Adelayah Brooke Saklad.
He leaves behind a brother, Lody (Violet) Podvasnik and a sister, Joan (Frank) Wiencek. He is also survived by the mothers of his children, Patricia Stiger Eckels and Rita Johns Podvasnik, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and very close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Carl Robert Podvasnik; a granddaughter, Rebekah; and a grandson, Michael.
PODVASNIK — Family will receive friends of Terry F. Podvasnik, who passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 1 until time of service at 2 p.m. Sunday. Services at the funeral home will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, conducted by the Rev. James Lewis, pastor of the West Liberty United Methodist Church.
