Anthony "Pete" Strank

Anthony Strank, "Pete", 94, of Laurel, Maryland died June 1, 2014. Known to his friends as Pete. Son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kovalchik) Strank, he was born on June 21, 1919 in Franklin Borough. Pete's parents immigrated from Jarabina, Czechoslovakia and he was the youngest of 11 children who grew up in Franklin Borough. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, John, Mike, and sisters Katie Holub, Mary Mitroka, Teresa Dietz, Anita Provenzano, Martha Jordan, Eva Tobias, and Bee Zivkovich. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Roslyn (Sevenack) Strank, daughter Christina Layman and husband Carl of Mt Airy MD, his son Jeffrey Strank and wife Michele of Glenwood MD. He has 7 grandchildren Justin, Kevin, Tyler, Carson, Randall, Anthony, Marissa, and 4 great-grandchildren Allison, Jaden, Allison, and Kyle.

Pete was an Army Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. During WWII he landed at Normandy (Utah Beach) and fought across Europe into Germany until the end of the war. As a canoneer in the 981st Field Artillery BN his battery fired on Cherboug Harbor from point blank range at the forts that were still holding out, piercing the thick concrete walls and causing the Germans to surrender in 15 minutes. This provided a critical deep water port to supply the Allied Forces in Europe. The BN then turned it's attention to the south and actively supported the VII Corps as they broke through the German lines in the St. Lo sector. Later his Artillery Unit was surrounded and nearly overrun by enemy troops in the Ardennes. Under horrific battle conditions his group maintained continuous fire which enabled the Unit to hold crucial ground during the Battle of the Bulge. Pete was an active participant in VBOB reunions for Veterans who fought in that great battle. He had unequaled appreciation for the sacrifice and accomplishments of our Veterans. Pete's cousin U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Strank raised the Flag on Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Like many of his cousins, nephews, and friends from the Johnstown PA area, and verterans everywhere they did their duty during the war to provide Freedom to those oppressed. After the war, Pete used the G.I. Bill to earn a degree in English and Social Studies at the University of Pittsburg graduating in 1949. He later earned a Masters Degree in 1955 also at the University of Pittsburg. Pete taught high school and college English before working as a technical writer for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md for 27 years. He loved family, friends, trout fishing, golfing, reading, world history, and politics. Pete became a superb golfer in his 70's, shooting his age 72 and continuing that feat into his 80's. Truly one of Americas Greatest Generation. He was active in body, mind, and soul to the end.

Viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, where Parastas will be sung at 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Fr, Robert F. Oravetz. Committal will be at Holy Trinity Byzantine Cemetery with military Rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 V.F.W. Ritual Team. The family suggests contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org, in memory of Anthony Strank. On line condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.