1927
Ambrose
2014
Ambrose J. Drapcho
March 27, 1927 — December 7, 2014
Struthers - Ambrose Joseph Drapcho, 87, of Struthers, died peacefully on the feast day of St. Ambrose, Sunday, December 7, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Ambrose was born March 27, 1927 in Clarence, PA, a son of Joseph and Mary Chismar Drapcho.
Ambrose began working at a young age, first at a factory making women's silk stockings in Snowshoe, PA and later operating a movie projector at a theater. At the age of 16, Ambrose decided he wanted to escape working in the coal mines of his hometown, and hitchhiked to the Youngstown area to live with his sister, Sarah.
While in Youngstown, he began working in a downtown restaurant as a busboy and then for Truscon Steel, until enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 18. Mr. Drapcho served during World War II in Italy, until being honorably discharged in February of 1947.
Upon his return from the service, Ambrose began working for Republic Steel Storage Rack Division of the Truscon Plant, working on the paint line. Rising to the position of foreman, he was well respected by his fellow employees as they all noted he was tough but fair. After 38 years of service, Ambrose retired from the company with the title of General Supervisor.
A lifelong member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Ambrose was a member of its Holy Name Society and a former member of the men's choir. He was also a member of the First Catholic Slovak Jednota Society.
Ambrose enjoyed traveling, visiting 48 of the 50 states, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, going on a Caribbean Cruise, and traveling across the states via Amtrak with his grandson, TJ. Having a passion for golf, Ambrose traveled with friends to Myrtle Beach for 17 years to share their love of the game. Mr. Drapcho bowled for many years in the Jednota League with his brother, Bill. He and his wife, Ann, also enjoyed dancing, music, and movies.
A true prankster, Mr. Drapcho was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and playing an occasional practical joke.
He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, the former Ann Vadjina, whom he married July 14, 1951; four daughters, Patricia (Allan) Banner of Liberty, Carole Krispinsky of Boardman, Diane Drapcho of Canfield, and Ann Marie (Matt) Stroney of Ellsworth Township; six grandchildren, Valerie (fiance Shawn Dolinar) Banner of Hoboken, NJ, Lindsay (Josh) Parker of Lima, Amy Banner of Oregon, IL, Jeffrey Banner of North Bergen, NJ, Thomas "TJ" Krispinsky of Arlington, VA, and Kara (Zac) Middleton of Cranberry, PA; and one great-grandson, Asher Dean Parker of Lima.
In addition to his parents, Ambrose was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brittany Ann Carroll; and his siblings, Mary Malenic, Josef, Sarah Wagner, Justine "Jessie" Bezusko, Johanna George, Dorothy Venglarcik, Albert, William, and Henry.
A prayer service will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Drapcho's name to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd, Poland, OH 44514 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 3695B Boardman-Canfield Rd., Suite 301, Canfield, Ohio 44406.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Ambrose was born March 27, 1927 in Clarence, PA, a son of Joseph and Mary Chismar Drapcho.
Ambrose began working at a young age, first at a factory making women's silk stockings in Snowshoe, PA and later operating a movie projector at a theater. At the age of 16, Ambrose decided he wanted to escape working in the coal mines of his hometown, and hitchhiked to the Youngstown area to live with his sister, Sarah.
While in Youngstown, he began working in a downtown restaurant as a busboy and then for Truscon Steel, until enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 18. Mr. Drapcho served during World War II in Italy, until being honorably discharged in February of 1947.
Upon his return from the service, Ambrose began working for Republic Steel Storage Rack Division of the Truscon Plant, working on the paint line. Rising to the position of foreman, he was well respected by his fellow employees as they all noted he was tough but fair. After 38 years of service, Ambrose retired from the company with the title of General Supervisor.
A lifelong member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Ambrose was a member of its Holy Name Society and a former member of the men's choir. He was also a member of the First Catholic Slovak Jednota Society.
Ambrose enjoyed traveling, visiting 48 of the 50 states, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, going on a Caribbean Cruise, and traveling across the states via Amtrak with his grandson, TJ. Having a passion for golf, Ambrose traveled with friends to Myrtle Beach for 17 years to share their love of the game. Mr. Drapcho bowled for many years in the Jednota League with his brother, Bill. He and his wife, Ann, also enjoyed dancing, music, and movies.
A true prankster, Mr. Drapcho was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and playing an occasional practical joke.
He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, the former Ann Vadjina, whom he married July 14, 1951; four daughters, Patricia (Allan) Banner of Liberty, Carole Krispinsky of Boardman, Diane Drapcho of Canfield, and Ann Marie (Matt) Stroney of Ellsworth Township; six grandchildren, Valerie (fiance Shawn Dolinar) Banner of Hoboken, NJ, Lindsay (Josh) Parker of Lima, Amy Banner of Oregon, IL, Jeffrey Banner of North Bergen, NJ, Thomas "TJ" Krispinsky of Arlington, VA, and Kara (Zac) Middleton of Cranberry, PA; and one great-grandson, Asher Dean Parker of Lima.
In addition to his parents, Ambrose was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brittany Ann Carroll; and his siblings, Mary Malenic, Josef, Sarah Wagner, Justine "Jessie" Bezusko, Johanna George, Dorothy Venglarcik, Albert, William, and Henry.
A prayer service will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Drapcho's name to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd, Poland, OH 44514 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 3695B Boardman-Canfield Rd., Suite 301, Canfield, Ohio 44406.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
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