Leo T. Walchak

Leo Thomas Walchak, 62, of Liverpool, passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at UPMC West Shore Hospital, Mechanicsburg after suffering a heart attack. Born on June 10, 1959 in Pottsville, he was raised by his mother, the late Jennie N. (Ross) Abrachinsky, and step-father, the late Albert J. Abrachinsky Jr.

Growing up in Schuylkill County, Leo graduated from Pottsville High School and then went on to attend Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. He and his wife, Donna, were classmates in college, and the two would marry and raise a family upon graduation. Leo put his finance degree to good use, working as a controller at American Car Foundry (ACF), Milton, for 17 years. His career would switch gears in the early 2000s, when he was brought on as the CFO for the Pennsylvania Dental Association, Harrisburg; he retired after 13 years of employment. He was a man of faith, belonging to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Selinsgrove, and he raised his family and treated others with the love and piety that God lent him while here on Earth. He was fair with those in the workplace, and he was a good-natured man who kept his word. His wife and children “hit the jackpot” in terms of having a supportive and loving husband and father throughout the ebbs and flows of life.

Raystown Lake was a favorite vacation spot for his family over the years, but there were other cross-country adventures and trips to the Outer Banks in between. As empty-nesters, he and Donna traveled more extensively, touring Europe and Africa, and seeing much of the United States, including Alaska. He enjoyed an adrenaline rush, and this was evidenced by his need to try bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding and diving… with sharks! He also enjoyed hunting of any kind, fishing (especially with his grandkids), and the freedom of riding a motorcycle.

Leo was a commanding presence in any room he entered, and he would work the crowd in a very unassuming and genuine way. He was kind, gentle and always full of life. He could make you laugh, but he always had time to listen. Watching the sunset was particularly calming for Leo; perhaps it was in these moments that he had a chance to sit back and reflect on those he loved most in life, and for all of God’s blessings. His grandchildren will miss their favorite fisherman, but the lessons their Pop Pop instilled in them will resonate through life. Leo was a role model, a gentleman, and someone who will be missed by all those he touched in his 62 well-lived years.

Surviving Leo is his wife of 39 years, Donna (Moyer) Walchak; two sons, Chason Walchak (Jo Anne) of Mechanicsburg and Christopher Walchak (Carly) of Harrisburg; grandchildren, Jaycie and Rylan Walchak, and Jackson, Grayson and (on the way is) Kaison Leo Walchak; a sister, Leona Matz (Steve) of Pottsville; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Joann Bauman and Sandy Webber.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland. A one-hour viewing will be held prior to mass at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, from 10:30-11:30AM. Immediately following mass, a procession will follow Leo to his final resting place in Liverpool Union Cemetery, Liverpool.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Leo’s name to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, PO Box 8700, Harrisburg, PA 17105.