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Nicholas Kaschak

Nicholas G. Kaschak, 93, of Steubenville, died Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Trinity West.

Born September 29, 1924, in Mingo Junction, Ohio, Nicholas was the ninth and youngest child of the late George and Anna (Janosko) Kaschak. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, George, Michael and John Kaschak; his sisters, Mary Kaschak, Anna Clark, Elizabeth Gratson, Margo Danchison, and Martha Katich; and his sister-in-law, Jean (Alex) Vernarsky.

Nicholas graduated from Mingo Junction High School and joined the U.S. Army soon after. He is a veteran of the World War II era. After the Army, he graduated Summa Cum Laude in the first graduating class of The College of Steubenville, then from St. Louis University, where he earned a master’s degree.

He retired in 1991 from his position as director of the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission, where he worked for 30 years. Prior to his work in Jefferson County, Nicholas held positions at the University of Dayton (teaching sociology and anthropology), the City of Dayton as a planner, and in Columbus as a regional planner.

He was active in professional organizations, such as the Ohio Planning Commission, the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Nicholas was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church for over 55 years and attended daily Mass. At various times, he served as a member of parish council, sacristan, Eucharistic minister, altar server, lector and for many years, he handled the financial responsibilities of the weekly collection. He was also a member of the St. Francis Society.

In 1994, Franciscan University honored him with the Alumni Citizenship Award in recognition of his contributions and achievements in community affairs.

An avid gardener – famous for his tomatoes throughout the neighborhood, Nicholas was an early advocate for organic gardening and composting.

He had a lively curiosity and enjoyed learning about various subjects. English grammar was one of his favorites. Genealogy was also one of his hobbies.

Nicholas was the founder of the Jefferson County Recycling and Litter Prevention Program that began nearly 35 years ago as the Jefferson County Litter Control. In 2005, he was honored for this work with a certificate of appreciation and commendations from Ohio’s congressional officials. He remained a dedicated “recycler” all of his life.

Nicholas was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, who took an active part in the lives and activities of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Kathryn (Gordon) Kaschak; and his seven children, Mary T. Kaschak, Jean Anne (Peter) McCallin, Joan Marie (John) Reda, Nicholas (Jane) Kaschak, Kathy (Ron) Sanders, Carolyn Kaschak, and Paul (Dianne) Kaschak. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Christopher (Dana) Cartledge, Sarah (Joel) Burke, Charlie Daniels, Sarah (Dan) Diamond, Mary E. Kaschak, Theresa Kaschak, Patti Sanders, Nicholas Sanders, Natasha (Jordan) Rutledge, Paul Kaschak Jr., Maria Kaschak, and Rachel Kaschak; eight great-grandchildren, Roark, Luke, and Clara Cartledge, Marley and Donovan Burke, Zach and Autumn Daniels, and Ella Diamond. Beloved nieces and nephews also survive him.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Internment to follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery. A vigil service will be Thursday at 7:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.

Offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome. com.