Paul C. Chernay

Paul Chernaskey Chernay, 90, of Coopersburg, died peacefully on January 5th, 2017 after an illness. Born in Fountain Hill on June 7, 1926; he was the son of the late Roman and Fiona (Orischak) Chernaskey. He was the loving husband of the late Betty Jo (Bussey) Chernay who died in 1998. They were married for 52 years.

Paul was the owner of Chernay Printing, Inc., which he founded in 1966. His other businesses included PBC Guitars, Inc. and Pauls Cantina, formerly located in Center Valley. Paul also enjoyed success in his real estate ventures. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the Navy as an Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class in Europe and North Africa. Paul was a gentleman of commanding presence, known by his friends and family to be fun loving and generous. His many pastimes included travel, boating, working on his “farm”, and trips to Atlantic City.

Paul was a devout member of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bethlehem. He also served on the board of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. A generous benefactor of both his Church and of the Seminary, Paul was honored to receive the St. Innocent of Alaska Silver Award. One of the highest awards given by the Orthodox Church in America, it was bestowed on Paul for his zealous support of St. Tikhon's Seminary and St. Nicholas Church, and especially for his love and generosity for his fellow man. The Seminary showed Paul their appreciation for his faithful efforts again in 2013, when they awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Paul is survived by his twin sister, Pauline Chernaskey Kasick; grandchildren, Lisa Ward Arnold and husband, Barri-Jami, Laura Ward, and Nicholas Chernay, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gregory P. Chernay; daughter, Paula Jo Ward; and siblings, John Tronovich, Anna Tronovich Lasko, Eva Tronovich Klock, Tessie Chernaskey Check, Mary Chernaskey Kroboth, Catherine Chernaskey Rocco, Helen Chernaskey Fella and Raymond Chernaskey.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem PA 18018 on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. with Panakhida at 7:30 p.m. Another visitation will be held at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 980 Bridle Path Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017 on Monday, January 9, 2017 from 9 to 11 a.m. The Funeral Service will be celebrated by Father James Weremedic at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Union Cemetery of Hellertown.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and/or St. Tikhons Orthodox Theological Seminary, St. Tikhons Rd., South Canaan, PA 18459.

Cemetery
Union Cemetery of Hellertown
89 Main Street
Hellertown PA 18055
US

Visitation
Sunday, January 8, 2017
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Panakhida
Sunday, January 8, 2017
7:30 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Monday, January 9, 2017
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
980 Bridle Path Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral Service
Monday, January 9, 2017
11:00 AM
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
980 Bridle Path Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

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