John Bruchak

John Bruchak, Jr., 80, of Lower Heidelberg Township, died October 24, 2014, in St. Joseph Hospital, surrounded by his family members as polka tunes drifted through the hospital room, just as he would have wished.

He was the devoted and doting husband of Sally A. (Bowers) Bruchak, whom he considered his bride every day of his life.

Born August 29, 1934 in Northampton he was a son of the late John and Julia (Stashitsky) Bruchak.

A graduate of Kutztown University and West Chester University, John studied in the field of education because he wanted to make a difference and build relationships with students in his community - he did just that.

As a young man, John became a U.S. Amy veteran, and was proud to serve his country so that he could see his family live in freedom. While working as an Elementary Principal for the Mt. Penn School District for over 23 years, John took great pride in supporting students both in the classroom and in the athletic arena. After retirement he worked as a teacher for Disney World University, Orlando, from 1990 to 1994, continuing in his tradition of spreading positivity to those around him; and as the Vice Principal of Oley Elementary School until 2001. Throughout his educational career, John also actively umpired high school softball and baseball games, as well as refereed football and basketball games, often counseling and teaching the players on either team showing his educational prowess never ceased.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his four children: Jay, husband of Micki Bruchak, Green Cove Springs, FL; Edmund, husband of Carol Siekierka, Sinking Spring; Lois Smith, Orange Park, FL; and Kim Hiester, West Reading. Also surviving are his siblings: Paul Bruchak, Northampton; Ed Bruchak, Northampton; and Mary Ann Mellen, Salem, VA. He spent much of his time devoted to loving his ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren well; they will continue his legacy of simple kindness, energetic enthusiasm, and a general disposition that exudes joy.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 1 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Way of Berks County, 501 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.