Ernest E. Valasek

Ernest E. Valasek, 84, of Buffalo Township, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017 at LifeCare Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born February 15, 1932, in Natrona, a son of the late Steve and Mary Gazdik Valasek Sr. Ernie was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army, 343rd Engineer Division. He retried in 1994 after 44 years of service from Allegheny Ludlum Steel, Brackenridge. Ernie was a member of St. Joseph R. C. Parish in Natrona. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, polka music, playing his numbers and was an avid Steeler fan. Ernie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor Norbut Valasek; sons; Daniel (Sheri) Valasek, of Penn Township and Jeffrey Valasek, of Buffalo Township; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Tyler, Derek and Ashley Valasek; great grandson, Milo Medvis; brothers, Michael Valasek, of Natrona Heights and John (Beverly) Valasek, of Sarver; sisters, Helen Kuslock and Veronica Peters, both of Tarentum; sister-in-law, Martha Valasek, of Natrona; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Walter Timothy Valasek; brothers, Frank, Steve, George, Joseph and Vincent Valasek; sister, Margaret Cornman: and by his mother-in-law, Eleanor Norbut.
Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4, 6-8 PM in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a blessing service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM in St. Ladislaus Church with the Rev. Aaron Kriss as celebrant. Burial with full military honor's accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. In lieu of flowers., contributions in memory of Ernie may be made to St. Joseph Parish, 1526 Union Avenue, Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065 or to St. Jude Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.