Erwin J. Kapalko, 81, Member of St. Joseph Church

Erwin J. Kapalko, 81 of Avon Lake formerly of Delaware, OH passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at EMH Regional Medical Center following complications of pneumonia. Mr. Kapalko was born Dec. 14, 1930 in Smock, PA and had lived in Avon Lake the past 34 years.

He was a Korean War veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1949 until accepting an offer to join the US Army under the officers training program. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1952 and continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves and was ultimately honorably discharged from the Army Medical Service Corp with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Mr. Kapalko earned a degree in chemistry from the University of West Virginia. He began working in 1956 with PPG Industries in the research and development center in Springdale, PA eventually retiring from PPG in 1988 as the director of foreign operations. It was during his career that he was awarded seven patents for paint application.

He was a member of St. Joseph Church and the American Legion, Post 211 in Avon Lake. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his membership in the Elyria Country Club.

Mr. Kapalko is survived by his wife Betsy, whom he married, May 17, 1958, his children Linda Horenkamp (Jim) of Murfeesboro, TN; Tom Kapalko of Morgan City, LA; Paul Kapalko (Yvonne) of Avon and Steve Kapalko (Luba) of Amherst. He is also survived by grandchildren Melissa, Amanda, David Jr., Michael, Katie, Lauren, Regan and Frankie and sister Anne Stricker (Vincent-dec) of Charleston, WV. He is preceded in death by son David Kapalko (Rita) of Avon, infant granddaughter Elizabeth, sister Irene Balaban (Lou) and parents Joseph and Mary (nee Kapelka) Kapalko.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd., Avon, Monday, Feb. 20, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.  – 8 p.m.

A prayer service will be at the funeral home on Tuesday at 9:15a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church 32929 Lake Rd. Fr. Timothy O'Connor will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be forwarded to St. Joseph Church.

 Information courtesy of Busch Funeral Home.