William V. Stoviak
William V. Stoviak of Uniontown, Pa., died Friday, May 10, 2002, after a brief illness. He was born February 9, 1920, in Uniontown, Pa., the son of the late John and Bessie (Kaminski) Stachowiak, raised in Continental #3 outside of Uniontown, and graduated from German Township High School.
He served in the United States Army during World War II, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day. Wounded on the third day of that assault, he recovered in England for the duration of the war.
He joined the Uniontown Police Department in May of 1948 after completing training at the Pennsylvania State Policy Academy in Hershey. He served on the force for thirty-four years, reaching the rank of Sergeant. After retirement, he returned to work for the city as a Police Dispatcher for an additional thirteen years, until he retired at the age of seventy-eight.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Raymond, sisters Regina Kunash, Genevieve Flowers, brother Red and sister Rita in childhood and beloved pets Scotty and Shane.
Mr. Stoviak was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 55, and a 3rd degree member of the Uniontown Council Knights of Columbus. As a police officer, he was responsible for school safety programs and was known for his safety lessons in many schools.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Frances L. (Lenard), daughter Jane at home, son Father Len Stoviak of Scottdale, sister Mary Kula and her husband Ben of Uniontown, brother Frank of Downingtown, Pa., many nieces and nephews and Godchild Stephanie Flowers of Smithfield, Pa.
Friends will be received in the HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., A Dignity Memorial Provider, 139 West Fayette Street, Uniontown, Pa., today from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, May 15, 2002, until 10:30 a.m. when a Blessing Service will be held followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Old Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, with Rev. Fr. Leonard Stoviak and Rev. Fr. Alexander L. Pleban as Celebrants with Bishop Anthony Bosco presiding.
Interment will follow in St. Mary (Nativity) Cemetery.
The Christian Mothers from St. Joseph’s Church will recite the Rosary Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home.
The St. Joseph’s Parish Family Rosary will be said on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home.