Dr. Albert F. Maruskin – Venice, Fla.
It is with deep sorrow to announce that Dr. Albert F. Maruskin, 91, of Venice, Fla., departed this life o n Thursday , Dec. 19, 2024. Born in Harmarville, Pa., on Jan. 8, 1933, Al was the youngest of seven children born to Frank (a coal miner) and Pauline Maruskin, who emigrated from Slovakia in the early 1900s. Educated in Harmar Township in Allegheny County, he served in the U.S. Army, after which by utilizing the G.I. Bill of Rights, he received his Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University. He continued his education while employed at California University of Pennsylvania, with his master’s in library science and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, during which time he authored his book, “OCLC Its Governance, Function, Financing and Technology.” He retired in 1995 as emeritus professor from California University of Pennsylvania. Al had always been actively involved in libraries. He served on the board of the Monessen Public Library and Professor after many years in Manderino Library, retiring in 1995. He was also very active in the Orthodox Christian Church, serving on the parish councils of St. Nicholas Church in Donora and Holy Spirit Orthodox Church of Venice, Fla. He married Helen Balkunowa, the mother of his two daughters, Lynn Geer (Todd) and Beth Maruskin (Dr. Lee Silverman). After her death, he married Marie Kanzius Guidos, who survives. In addition to his wife, Marie, and his daughters, he is survived by stepchildren, Anne Freeman (Hank), Dr. Paul J Guidos (Dr. Annamaria), Dr. Lori Guidos (Cheryl Deaner), and Robert J. Guidos. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Chelsea Geer and Megan Geer; step-grandchildren, Matthew Opachick (Erica Woodrum), Angelina Grabowski (Alex), Dr. P. Joseph Guidos, Dr. P. Anthony Guidos and Jesse Deaner; and step-great-grandchildren, Oscar Opachick and Jewell Opachick. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was the last survivor of his family which included Frank Maruskin, Amelia Trzeciak, Pauline Maruskin, Susan Ballas, John Maruskin and Anna Mae Mariano. The family suggests no flowers, but requests any donation in his memory be sent to Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 700 Shamrock Blvd., Venice, FL 34293. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at WARCO-FALVO FUNERAL HOME INC., Wilson at E. Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, owner/supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, director, Holly Renay Warco, director. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at St. John The Baptist Orthodox Church, 601 Boone Ave., Canonsburg, PA 15317. A Panikhida service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the church with the Rev. John J. Kotalik officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvo-FuneralHome.com.
