Michael V. Herasimchuk

Michael V. Herasimchuk of Bethlehem passed away December 19, 2013 at age 98. MVH joined Bethlehem Steel Corp. after receiving his Metallurgical Engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1939. He accepted Bethlehems offer to become a participant of the well-regarded Loop Course as one of 120 new candidates for Management and Sales training. Mike was appointed General Foreman in the Manufacturing Division of the Bethlehem Plant when aircraft parts, capital goods, armament, tank and truck crankshafts, structural steel, armor plate, drop and press forgings, tooling, submarine air flasks, guns, shells, and ammunition were being manufactured at maximum rates for Army, Navy, Air Force, and domestic and lend lease destinations. In subsequent promotions, MV became Metallurgical Department Superintendent and advanced to Sr. Metallurgical Engineer on the staff of the Operating Vice President. He served on many technical societies representing BSC around the world on continuous casting and yield management.

Sports wise, Mike was Pottstown High School baseball team captain in 1932 and also participated in swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics in Pottstown and at The Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA. He was basketball co-captain at MIT. MV joined Saucon Valley CC in July 1944 and was named Honorary Member in 2013. He entered golf competitions where in addition to winning the E.G. Grace Club Championship in 1973, Mike won six Sr. Club Championships and qualified for two USGA Sr. National Championships. In early learning of the games economics, MV recalled caddying at age 12 at Brookside-Pottstown for 35 cents for 9 holes. Among the golf trophies in the family, his most cherished were the only father and son E.G. Grace Champions in club history (three years apart) and father and son H.E Lewis Labor Day champions - 63 years apart (1949 and 2010.)

Among many wonderful experiences at SVCC are the standout weekends in the period 1970-1980 that MVH spent with Morrie Holland (who was Ralph Hutchisons primary Pro in the winter months that Ralph spent in Eluthera.) The twosome created and administered a Jr. Golf Program hosting 24 junior men and women a year playing endless weekly competitions that resulted in speedy development of skills on the Six-Hole Course and ultimately in trophy events on the Old and Grace Courses. For example, ex-junior golfers went on to win six Club Championships from 1976-83 and seven C.A. Buck championships from 1976-1988.

A highlight of the Jr. Program was participation in the Winter Clinics at the Villa Pazzetti. Morrie and MV provided weekly instruction to the Jr participants including presentations from former Club Champions on their favorite club and technique. Many influential members facilitated the program and contributed to its instruction and legacy. The “faculty” included C.H. Oskin (driver); M.P Warner (fairway woods); R.L. Hunsicker (long irons) Jack Thomas (mid irons); R.F. Handwerk (short irons) S.J. Codi (sand play); E.F. Martin (pitching) H.F. Bilheimer (putting); and V.J. “Pat” Pazzetti (deportment.) A combination of instruction, video swing analysis, and even an outdoor “accuracy range” helped develop the golfers skills and more importantly, a true appreciation for the game, its players, and history.

The 6-Hole course, designed by Wm F. Gordon and completed in 1954 under Mr. W.H. (Bill) Johnstones watch, became SVCCs “First Tee” 30 years in advance of the national program. MV, with the support of B.E. Davis established several events including the W.H. Johnstone Memorial Day tournament, The G.A. Hurd Jr. 36-Hole Handicap, and the R.K. Laros Member/Jr tournament, the J.K Conneen Sr. Championship, and the Debbie Massey Jr. Girls Championship. The post-junior results of the first 10 years were Mike and Morrie's contribution to SVCC golf history. MV also photographed two SVCC National Championships -the 1983 USGA Jr. and the 1987 USGA Sr. Amateur. His photographs are a treasured part of the Ralph G. Schwartz American Legacy Club archive.

Mike married Jean M. (Rheiner), BSCs first Main Office Receptionist in 1951, and they spent 20 memorable years in Bethlehems Monacacy Hills before moving to the cottages at Tides Inn, Irvington VA. He started the “Flag Pole Council” for area residents to fly the American flag on local properties. He and Jean returned to Bethlehem to spend their final years on Bethlehems West Side. They were married 59 years. Mike also enjoyed woodworking, fixing anything and everything, stamp collecting, personal computing (he liked Apple) and Civil War History - especially the Gettysburg address. He spent the last three years near family and making friends at Devon House in Allentown.

We will miss him and his unmistakable approach to discipline, innovation, and generosity for everyone he touched. An MVH slogan originating in his Thundering Herd putting seminars applied to golf and his philosophy of life: “If you dont follow the specified rules relentlessly, you will certainly miss the putt before you hit the ball.”

Survivors include sons Peter and Jon and daughter-in-law Heather of Allentown/Emmaus. Grandchildren Jon and Jennifer Harrison, Niece Eleanor Wynn of Portland, Oregon, nephews Thomas Rheiner of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, David Herasimchuk of Austin, Texas, and Mike Herasimchuk of Houston, Texas.

We will remember Mikes life through a life celebration at Saucon Valleys Main Clubhouse on January 25, 2014 from 2-5 PM. Donations can be made in support of junior golf to the First Tee of the Lehigh Valley 424 Center St. Room 300, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Remembrance Gathering & Luncheon
Saturday, January 25, 2014

Saucon Valley Country Club
2050 Saucon Valley Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531