Harry Wasilchak – Jan. 30

After a battle with Dementia and Parkinsons, at the age of 76, the win went to the disease on January 30, 2023.

Survived by his wife Marlene of over 52 happy years of adventures and travel all around the world.

Harry M. Wasilchak was raised in his beloved Ithaca, NY by his predeceased mother, Paulyne, and his father, Myron. This is where he began his love of golf. In between rounds of golf, he attended Ithaca College and earned his degree in Political Science.

After graduating Ithaca College, the bright lights of New York City were calling his name. He started as a bank examiner but soon found himself in a vibrant and exciting industry of fragrance and cosmetics. He worked for Avon, Liz Clairborne, Parfums De Coeur and Estee Lauder. Companies would send him to Asia and Europe to monitor production of products he helped design. He especially loved this business because he was always around beautiful women.

A full-time job didn’t stop Harry from renovating a 5 family Brownstone with his wife after work. His creative talents were also put to good use in his hobby of making gold and silver jewelry and wanting to teach others how to make jewelry too, he started a class in loss wax process after work.

Always up for a challenge, he undertook the total rebuilding and renovation of a sailboat. Once completed, he thought it might be a good idea to learn how to sail! After a few sailing courses, he then used those new skills to navigate the waters of the British Virgin Islands.

In the winter, he was a  most accomplished skier and toured many a mountain from the West Coast to many European mountains. One of the skiing highlights was to go heli skiing and explore untracked powder after being delivered by helicopter.

Travel adventures were high on his list, riding the rapids of the Colorado River on a raft for a week, sightseeing in India, Brazil, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Japan, China, Thailand, and many European countries. But now, Harry is on his “biggest adventure”.

The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers for their great care. There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, Harry would like you to please do something kind for someone today in his name.

A memorial luncheon will be held on a date to be announced. Bring a funny story of your favorite memory of Harry. He will forever be remembered for his blue eyes and his friendly ribbing.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.