Norman C. Ochalek, 80, of Seneca, passed away peacefully, on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Born July 26, 1944, in Oil City, he was the son of the late Matthew and Kathryn Rogers Ochalek.
After graduating from high school, Norm served six years in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
Upon returning home, he spent a year serving in the National Guard before beginning a career in the U.S. Army in retention and recruiting, retiring as a Sgt. Major after 28 years of service.
Norm enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid gun collector.
He played baseball, softball, and basketball in local leagues and coached wrestling at the YMCA and Oil City High School.
Mr. Ochalek was a member of the NRA, VFW, Eagles, and Moose.
He had been a member of St. Stephen Church in Oil City.
On May 3, 1969, he was married to the former Rose M. Moon who survives.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Kevin Ochalek and his wife Tonya of Seneca and Jennifer VanDerwoude and her husband Robert of Ontario, Canada; six grandchildren, Ryan Ochalek and his wife Stacy, Kevin Ochalek Jr. and his wife Maria, Kenzi Ochalek, Madison Ochalek, Greyson VanDerwoude, and Lily VanDerwoude; and five great grandchildren, Austin, Alyssa, Blaine, Kayden, and Taylor.Yet
Also surviving are a sister, Crystal, and a special nephew, Mark Ochalek and his sons, Nick and Aidan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carole Cunningham and her husband James, and two brothers, Ronald Ochalek and his wife Betty and James Ochalek.
Visitation will be held at the Morrison Funeral Home on Monday, September 16, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Full military honors accorded by the VETS Honor Guard will be held Tuesday, September 17 at 11 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home followed by a funeral service with Chaplain Joe Campasino officiating.
Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville.
Those who knew him considered him a real character.
“Stormin’ Norman,” a man who loved and cared for his family deeply.
A true soldier until the end, he fought a good battle.
Norm will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank those who cared for him over the past few years, the staff of AseraCare Hospice and Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AseraCare Hospice and/or Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com.