Nicholas Timko

Timko, Nicholas, 92, Johnstown, PA died on August 20, 2024 at his beloved home.  Nick (known to friends as “Red” and to his grandchildren as “Didi”) was the loving son of the late Phillip and Mary (Koban) Timko.  Nick is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Catherine (Kesselak) Timko, with whom he shared five children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; daughter Catherine Mayer (husband Hagen Mayer), Germany, her two sons Michael Kleban (prior marriage to Rev. Michael Kleban), Alex Kleban (Sandra Lagrue), and their children Clara and James Kleban; son Nicholas I Timko (wife Justine Gidicxin) of Brooklyn, NY, their children Andrew (wife Erin McDonald) and daughter Maeve Elsie, daughter Sophia (husband Benjamin Worobey), and Julia; son Vladimir V. Timko of Brooklyn, NY; daughter Tamara S. Timko, St. Louis, MO, and her daughter Isabel Timko; and son Zachary E. Timko (wife Melanie Dasco) of Johnstown, PA and children Alexis, Nicholas Dara, Zachary E. Jr., and Leonardo and Rufio Maguadog.  Nick is preceded in death by his brothers Rev. George, Philip, John Stephen, and sister Helen and survived by brother Pete, and sisters Mary Byich and Nancy Medvic.  Nick was a lifelong member of his beloved Christ the Savior Cathedral, where he enjoyed cantoriing (having studied plain chant at Christ the Savior Seminary) and singing in the church choir.  Nick was a devout Orthodox Christian who was a constant presence at religious services.  He did not fear death, but recognized it as a new beginning with God.  Nick often joked that he would not be leaving home, but going home ot God and eternal life.  Nick loved being a father and taught his children the value of education, hard work, integrity, kindness, and most importantly faith in God.  He will be greatly missed as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.  Nick was a charter member and Past President of the First Russian American Federation mens’ club, a Past President of Christ the Savior Educational Center, and of the national and local chapter of the American Carpatho-Russian Youth (ACRY).  He also held officer positions in the National Association of Postal Supervisors.  Nick was also a “Jack of all Trades” after retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, traveling around the country to help his children maintain, repair, and upgrade their homes and apartment buildings.  Most of all, he never passed up an opportunity to visit, care for or simply have fun with his grandchildren, whether at the family home in Johnstown or around the country.  He loved to read about current events and enjoyed a lively and thoughtful discussion on almost any topic.  He had an endless desire for hard work and helping others, even up to his final weeks mowing his treasured lawn.  He also loved decorating his home for Christmas and was once the subject of an article in the Johnstown Tribune about his extensive Christmas lighting decorations.  A very special thank you to Dr. Michael Voloshin and his staff at Murtha Cancer Center for helping Nick extend and enjoy his life for over 7 years.  The family also wishes to thank their many close friends and neighbors who supported Nick and Kay through these difficult times, especially Rick and Darlene Cassidy, Richard Kesselak, and Christine Robel.  Goodbye dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.  May you be with God and may God always be with you.  VICNAJA PAMJAT

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Christ the Savior Cathedral or Windber Hospice Services. 

Friends will be received at the Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary from 4-7 PM on Friday where Parastas will be held at 6 PM.  Panachida will be held at the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Saturday, preceding the funeral liturgy at 10 AM at Christ the Savior Cathedral, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak and Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, concelebrants.  Interment at Christ the Savior Cemetery

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