John Pisanchyn

John Pisanchyn, 89, of Olyphant, died Sunday.Born in Olyphant in 1927, he was the son of the late Dmytro and Sofia Pisanchyn. A graduate of Olyphant High School, class of 1944, and of the University of Scranton, class of 1952, he earned a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude. He was retired from the Allied Chemical Corp., where he was a senior research organic chemist. John was a holder of 24 U.S. patents and numerous foreign patents. A former serviceman, he served in the Military Police of the Army during the occupation of Germany from 1945-46. After his retirement, he was very interested in the outdoors, became an avid walking enthusiast, and began several collections of foliage of the broad-leaf deciduous and evergreen trees which are native to Pennsylvania. Later, he and his grandnephew, Michael J. Pisanchyn Jr., began a project to grow the entire 126 broad-leaf deciduous and evergreen trees native to Pennsylvania. To date, 122 trees have been planted, leaving four trees to be found and planted. He enjoyed the beauty of nature. To his relatives and others, he had expressed his desire that they should care for each other, and that they should take the time to smell the roses. He enjoyed conversations and could speak to anyone from a Rhodes Scholar to all his great grand nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. Everyone knew him as “Uncle John.” He was a huge part of his whole family’s lives and especially Michael and Christopher Pisanchyn. Without his unconditional love, support, understanding, guidance and caring neither would be anywhere close to where they are today. John has changed numerous people’s paths in life without any expectation of anything in return. He is survived by a brother, Joseph, Archbald; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Roman and Emilian; and three sisters, Helen Fallon-Kucharski, Anna Gloss and Olga Rutkowski. Divine Liturgy will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in SS. Cyril & Methodius Greek Catholic Church, River Street, Olyphant. The Rev. Nestor Iwasiw, pastor, will preside. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.   Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant.  Parastas will be held at 6 p.m. Friends are asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday. At John’s specific request, no flowers will be accepted. It is preferable that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517; or the American Heart Association, Northeast PA, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109. For online condolences or directions, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.