Charles J. Protenic

Charles J. "Chuck" Protenic, 97, of Baden, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2019 in Masonic Village, Aleppo Twp. from a brief illness.
He was born June 21, 1922 in Marquerite, PA to the late John and Susan (Gumbita) Protenic. He was a fitter for the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation retiring with 37 years service. Chuck proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II as a sergeant in the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battallion.
His unit was part of the second wave that landed on the beaches of Normandy where he was wounded and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He returned to his battalion where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge where his tank was hit by enemy fire and received a second Purple Heart. While recovering, Chuck pledged to dedicate his life to helping other in memory of lives given for others.  He raised his family in Baden and began to fulfill his pledge.  He served on the Baden Council, Board of Directors of Anthony Wayne Terrace, and various youth programs.  He was a longtime member and past commander of the Baden American Legion where he served on the Grave Committee for more than 50 years and the Needy Families Committee for 64 years. Chuck was a very active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for 67 years. He was a member and past president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, served as an altar server for both daily and funeral masses, was a faithful pierogi worker, member of the Holy Name Society, usher, and helped with maintenance work around the church and school. In 2012, he was the recipient of the " Manifesting of the Kingdom Award" from Bishop P. Wherlen celebrating 60 years of service to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He led the canned food drive for the Little Sisters of the Poor and  visited the sick in nursing homes and hospitals.  Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his loving wife Catherine "Kay" (Hass) Protenic, nine brothers, John, Michael, Frank, Joseph, Paul, George, Albert, Andrew, and Edward Protenic, a sister, Margaret Wilkerson, and two son-in-laws, Robert Patton and Timothy Apolito. He is survived by daughters Susan Patton of Irvine, CA, Elizabeth "Betsy" Apolito of Dayton. OH, a son, James (Theresa) Protenic of Louisville, KY,  five grandchildren, Amy (Justin) Patton-Rue, Eric (Kriselle) Patton, Christopher (Beth) Protenic, Lara (Stephan) Van Treese, and Andrew Murken, six great grandchildren, two step grandchildren, Dan (Michelle) Apolito, Laura (Matt) Valangeon, and 5 step great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mary Ann Ward of Louisville, KY.   Friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered on Friday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 375 Linmore Ave, Baden.  Interment with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and the US Army will follow at 11:15 AM in SS Peter and Paul and Cemetery 1691 Ridge Rd Extension, Ambridge.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in memory of Chuck Protenic to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. John's Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003.

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