In Memoriam: Reader George E. Walko
MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH [MW Diocese Communications] — Reader George E. Walko, 92, a member of Saint Andrew Church here and former Mayor of Bedford, OH, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, August 30, 2014.
A World War II Army veteran and union carpenter, George chanted at liturgical services, made crosses which he gave to bishops, priests, deacons and laity all over the world, and was a personal friend of thousands of people, according to Archpriest Emilian Hutnyan, Rector of Saint Andrew Church.
“Beloved by the faithful of Saint Andrew Church, he was a friend and mentor,” said Father Emilian. “He was also a church carpenter and maintenance worker who carved many lecterns and even the holy altar table, on which he worked for four summer months with his son Gregory. In 2004, the altar table was consecrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman; His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius; His Eminence, Archbishop Job; and some 45 men in the altar with Saint Tikhon’s Seminary Choir singing the responses to the Consecration Service.
“He also spent two years studying liturgical theology in preparation for tonsuring to the order of Reader — at the age of 83,” added Father Emilian. “He will be dearly missed. Memory eternal!”
Reader George is survived by his beloved wife, Virgina “Jean”; sons John [Karen] and Greg [Katie]; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, and many friends from Saint Andrew parish and the wider community.
Funeral services were celebrated September 5 at Saint Andrew Church, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Saint Andrew Eastern Orthodox Church, 16029 Maple Park Drive, Maple Heights, OH 44137.
May the Reader George’s memory be eternal!
