Walter Lonchena
Mr. Walter Lonchena, 83, of Butler died Friday evening at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot.
Born June 24, 1932, in Bredinville, Walter was the son of the late Peter and Anna (Koday) Lonchena.
A 1951 graduate of Butler High School, Walter attended Clarion University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1955. He earned a master's degree in education from Westminster College in 1963.
He was a driver's education and history teacher at Butler High School for 42 years. In addition to teaching, he was an assistant football coach for the Golden Tornado as well as coach of the golf team. He was a member of the 1950 WPIAL champions and undefeated Golden Tornado football team in which he played center and linebacker. With his many contributions to sports, Walter was inducted into the Butler Sports Hall of Fame on March 20, 1982. He served on its board of directors for a number of years.
Walter was a member and served on the board of directors for the Butler County Teachers Federal Credit Union.
Walter was the owner and operator of the Lonchena Driving School, providing certified and private driving instruction for persons wanting to learn to drive in Butler County for over 40 years.
He faithfully served this country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 when he was honorably discharged with rank of private first class.
Walter was a member of the American Legion Post 778 and the Elks Lodge, Lodge 170. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lyndora.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria J. Lonchena; his parents, Peter and Anna Lonchena; nine brothers and sisters; and other nieces and nephews.
Walter is survived by his son, Terrence W. (Julie) Lonchena of Butler; his granddaughter, Venessa S. Lonchena, at home; daughter, Courtney A. Lonchena of Frederick, Md.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
LONCHENA — Visitation for Walter Lonchena, who died Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at theGeibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. Paisius McGrath, pastor, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.Parastas services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
