Very Reverend Eugene Vansuch

Very Reverend Eugene Vansuch, 66, of Easton, died on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at his residence.

He was born in Campbell, OH the son of the late Michael Vansuch and Mary Racz Vansuch of Campbell, OH.

Fr. Vansuch is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Frances Papaharalambos Vansuch of Easton.

He was a 1959 graduate of Memorial High School in Campbell, OH; he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Youngstown University in 1965 and later graduated from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY on June 3, 1967 with a Masters of Divinity Degree. He was also a member of the St. Vladimir's Octet that traveled the country.

Fr. Vansuch was ordained to the priesthood March 12, 1967. He celebrated 41 years of Priesthood this year.

He was assigned to St. Vladimir Church in Trenton NJ, after many years as the beloved pastor in Madison, IL; he started a parish in the Diocese of the South; He was pastor of St. George in Trumbull, CT; where he also served as Chaplain for the Trumbull Fire Dept.; Pastor of St. John Chrysostom Church in Philadelphia; Pastor of parishes in Nanticoke, Pa and St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA as before heading the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards.

He served the Orthodox Church in America in many capacities, including Director of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards FOS. For many years he was the national spiritual advisor for years for the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs, which later became Fellowship of Orthodox Christians.

Fr. was a member of St. Herman Seminary Board of Trustees and Secretary for many years.

He taught at St. Tikhon Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, PA as a Senior Professor for many years, instructing Canon Law and Church History.

Fr. served on Local Brotherhood of Clergy as well as the Lehigh Valley Council of Churches.

He was very active with clergy on local, Diocesan and national levels. Fr. Vansuch served on many committees such as the Diocesan Council, Metropolitan Council, Administrative Committee, Pre-Conciliar Committees and Deanery Committees.

Fr. was an avid sports fan, especially of the Cleveland Indians and Browns as well as Youngstown University and Ohio State University athletics. He particularly enjoyed watching his children play sports; following their achievements as they were growing up.

Fr. Vansuch will be lovingly remembered by his family, wife Frances, sons, Basil Vansuch husband of Katherine of Vermont; Reverend Jason Vansuch husband of Katia of Norwich, CT and Damian Vansuch husband of Anastasia of Allentown. He is also survived by his brother Nicholas Vansuch husband of Monica of Howland, OH and four grandchildren and another to be born soon as well as his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Connell Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem.

A visitation will be held at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 980 Bridle Path Rd. Bethlehem PA 18017 on Thursday March 27, 2008 from 4:30-6:30 with a funeral service to follow at 7PM officiated by Metropolitan Herman and brother clergy from various Deaneries.

Another calling period will be held at the church on Friday March 28, 2008 from 9-9:45 AM with Pre-Sanctified Liturgy to follow at 10AM.

Burial will be held at Union Cemetery of Hellertown

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vansuch family in care of Connell Funeral Home, Inc 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem PA 18018 for future distribution to the churches he loved and served.

Memory Eternal