William Albert Elchik

ONE EPIC STORY. William Albert Elchik passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024. He
was born in Homestead, PA on September 14, 1927, to the late Micheal and Vern (Ezak) Elchik.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Marlene (Kraft) Elchik and his
brother Richard Elchik.

ONE LIFE OF SERVICE: After graduating from Homestead High School, Bill (a.k.a. Goo)
enlisted in the Army as a private and was stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama. In addition to
preparing to serve his country during World War II, his exceptional trumpet-playing skills were
on display nightly entertaining officers and his comrades as part of two army jazz bands. His
military service was cut short when his brother was wounded in action, leading to an honorable
discharge that opened a new chapter in his life. Leveraging the opportunities provided by the GI
Bill, he pursued higher education at the University of Miami where he not only embraced the
vibrant Florida sunshine and heat but also earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He
spent his early years as a math teacher before obtaining his law degree from the University of
Pittsburgh, becoming certified by the US Patent Office, and being hired by Westinghouse as a
patent attorney. As the company’s lead attorney overseeing the patent department, he played a
crucial role in filing hundreds of patents for innovative technology that continues to be used by
the company today. After dedicating nearly four decades to working at Westinghouse, he retired
into a life of leisure, playfully reminding everyone during his morning check-in calls that every
day was now a vacation day.

ONE LOVE. A double-blind date at Kennywood Park and the courage to ask the other blind
date (not his) for a dance changed the trajectory of Bill's life forever. He married Marlene (Kraft)
Elchik on August 7, 1954, beginning a love story that would last almost 70 years. Their marriage
was one of deep faith, respect, kindness, and everlasting love. They never went to bed angry,
always held hands and kissed at least once (if not more) daily. Even as the years softened their
memories and slowed their steps, their awareness of each other remained constant.

ONE FAMILY. Bill and Marlene were the solid roots of our family tree. “Wild Bill of Homestead
and Murrysville” was a loving dad and father-in-law to his devoted ten children and their
spouses: Jane (Barry) Stape, Susan (Robert) Braun, Michael (Lisa) Elchik, Mary (David)
Kliwinski, William (Lisa Marie) Elchik, Anne (William) Turkowski, Joseph (Loren) Elchik, Thomas
(Mary Jo) Elchik, Richard (Greta) Elchik and James (Roberta) Elchik. The branches became
longer through Bill’s 29 grandchildren Nick (Nikki), Joe (Anne), Katie (Tim), Bill (Danielle),
Matthew, Jessie (Mike), Kelsey, Terra, Griffin, Rene (Mike), Leah, Abby, Kayla, Jared, Lydia,
Mick, Ben, Anna, Alex, Christopher, Jack, David and Carson. The legacy continues to grow with
10 great-grandchildren Sophia, Lincoln, Brody, Louis, Loretta, Braun Baby #2 in 2025, Michael,
Reina, Rowan, Will, and many more in generations to come.

ONE LEGACY.
In the corner of a well-worn couch, he'd sit,
Pittsburgh sports dancing black and gold on the screen, bit by bit.

Iron City in hand, Copenhagen tucked away,
A patriarch whose wisdom will forever stay.

Ninety-seven years of passion, faith, and grace,
A love for his wife etched deep upon his face.

Obituary for William A. Elchik

A mind that wandered through inventions bold,
Preparing patents and courtroom stories untold.

Twelve souls gathered each Sunday in God's light,
A church pew filled with children squeezed in tight.

Every Saturday for many years, pizza would appear,
Vincents, 3Rivers 6Pack, Ianni’s, or Cosmos brought good cheer.

Practical jokes and monkeys swinging from trees in the yard,
He loved to fool the innocent but sometimes it was hard.

April Fool's Day, a canvas for his playful art,
Mischief dancing in the twinkle of his heart.

Hard work and humility, his silent creed,
Kindness and fairness, are the values he would seed.

Respect earned not demanded, but freely given,
A life of quiet strength, that was compassion-driven.

Stubborn yet gentle, accepting without measure,
Moments with grandchildren, his greatest treasure.

A legacy not built on fame or golden wealth,
But on love, integrity, and spiritual health.

Now he rests, his story etched in memory's embrace,
A testament to a life of remarkable grace.

Bill’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial on December 27, 2024, starting at
10:00 am at Mother of Sorrows church in Murrysville, PA followed by full military honors
accorded by the US Army. In place of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be
made to Heartland Hospice by visiting www.gentivahs.com or the Murrysville Library by visiting
www.murrysvillelibrary.org. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Albert Elchik, please visit our floral store.