MCA Veterans remember area vet in flag ceremony

Published: July 7, 2010

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MOUNT CARMEL - On Saturday, June 20, Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its Changing of the Colors flag ceremony in honor and memory of another veteran of World War II.

Peter J. Horoschak Sr. was born in Atlas July 1, 1923, the son of Julian and Alexandria (Herbert) Horoschak. He was a 1942 graduate of Mount Carmel Township High School.

Horoschak was inducted into the U.S. Army March 24, 1943, at Harrisburg and was discharged on April 12, 1946 at Separation Center, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He served as a medical technician with the 266th Combat Engineers Battalion, 66th Infantry Division. Horoschak received the following medals: Bronze Star, American Theater Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal with one bronze star for Northern France, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Honorable Medal, Combat Medical Badge First Award, and the World War II Honorable Discharge Medal. He was discharged as a Tech 4 with a total service to his country of three years, 19 days with foreign service of nine months, 10 days.

Horoschak was married to the former Joanne Menapace, who died in 1959. He married the former Violet Zanella on May 23, 1964. He was employed as a sewing machine mechanic and was also employed at Shamokin State General Hospital. He was the manager of Menapace's Café in Atlas.

Horoschak was a member of Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Church, Mount Carmel; American Legion Post 804, Atlas; Atlas Fire Company, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8354, Kulpmont. He served as a Democratic committee man for 25 years and was made an honorary member of the Pennsylvania state Legislature on his 80th birthday.

He died Feb. 23, 2010, and is buried in Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. Horoschak is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a brother.

The flag that was flown for the past month and during the Memorial Day holiday was in honor and memory of John Penman, who served during the Civil War. Taps was sounded when the Penman flag was lowered and it was folded by William Begis, James Kealy, and Thomas Shimko. The Horoschak flag was escorted to the cemetery by Ann Ray Begis and Walter Summers presented the flag for raising. The national anthem was played during the raising of the Horoschak flag. Shimko lowered and raised both flags. Military records of both veterans were read by David Berezovske.

The honor guard consisted of Charles Noskoviak, who carried the American flag, and the rifle escort consisted of Anthony Candelora and Joseph Matukaitis. Traffic control was provided by Kealy. Summers thanked all those in attendance, especially the family and friends of Horoschak.

The next flag ceremony will be 1 p.m. Sunday, July 18, when the flag will be raised on honor and memory of U.S. Navy veteran Frederick J. Murdock.

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