William A. Stavisky, 88, of Shinglehouse, PA, died Sunday, May 20, 2007 in Hamot Medical Center, Erie. Born September 26, 1918 in Lopez, he was a son of Adam A. and Mary M. Moskwa Stavisky. On August 26, 1944 in Lopez, he married Eleanor V. Crawley, who survives. He was a graduate of New Albany High School, New Albany, class of 1938 and a 1942 graduate of Mansfield State Teachers College in Mansfield, PA with a bachelor ofscience degree in education. Mr. Stavisky did graduate work at Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, and St. Bonaventure University. He was first employed at Falls-Overfield School District, teaching general science. In the summer of 1943, Mr. Stavisky accepted the position of teaching and coaching at Shinglehouse High School. After several years in that position, he assumed the post of High School Principal for three years. He was then named Supervising Principal. He later served as Assistant Potter County Superintendent, assuming the position of Potter County Superintendent of Schools, a position he held until the inception of the I-U9 program. Mr. Stavisky worked in the I-U9 program in Smethport, PA for 1 year. Desiring to have more day-to-day involvement with the students, he returned to the Oswayo Valley School District as the Elementary School principal. He later reassumed the position of Superintendent of the school district, retiring in 1979 after devoting 37 years of his life to education. For several years after his retirement, he helped his longtime friend Spurgeon Hennigh who operated the former Hennigh's Trailer Sales in Shinglehouse. Mr. Stavisky was an active member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, serving for several years on the Church board. He was a member of the American Association of School Administrators, a member of the Potter County Public Assistance Board since 1968, a member of Sharon Lodge #598 F & A. M. in Shinglehouse, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, a member of the Coudersport Commandry, and a member of the Oswayo Valley Rod and Gun Club. He also served on the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Advisory Board for the Shinglehouse area and was a member of the Maple Grove Cemetery Association in Shinglehouse. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and athletics. He was a strong supporter of his children and grandchildren and their activities. Surviving besides his wife are two sons, William D. (Sheila) Stavisky of Latrobe and Daniel J. (Mary) Stavisky of Port Allegany; a daughter, Sarah C. (Marty) Fry of Coudersport; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; a sister, Millie M. Andrewlavage of Lopez; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Stavisky was predeceased by four brothers, Stephen A. Stavisky, Michael A. Stavisky, Daniel A. Stavisky, and Joseph A. Stavisky; and three sisters, Anna M. Stavisky, Irene M. Magda, and Genevieve M. Elchak. Friends may call today (Wednesday, May 23, 2007) from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday (May 24, 2007) at the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church with the Rev. Daniel P. Grimes, pastor, and the Rev. Randall W. Headley, pastor of the Port Allegany United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Shinglehouse, PA 16748, the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Potter Leader-Enterprise May 22, 2007