Obituary of Charles E. Koulik Sr.

Charles Edward Koulik Sr. 71, of Wilkes-Barre, passed unexpectedly after being stricken ill in the early morning hours on Friday, June 2, at his private residence. Born in Wilkes-Barre on August 6, 1951, he was a son of the late Chester Koulik and Anna Yanchus-Koulik-Storzek. Charles grew up in the Miners-Mills section of the city and attended the St. Clair Street Elementary School and was a graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, class of 1969. Charles continued his education at the West Side Technology Center where he pursued carpentry in 1972. Charles became a jack of all trades working for several different contractors over the years, but worked in maintenance for the Genetti Hotel in Wilkes-Barre for forty three years. One night at a dance in 1974, Charles caught the eye of a beautiful lady but didn't get her name and he saw her again later that night at a bar. This time he had to find out her name, Marie Zaborny. Five years later on September 22, 1979, they were married and settled in Wilkes-Barre. Together they raised two children, daughter Melissa and son Charles Jr. Every Thursday night for the couple was spent at Crisnics. It was their special place. Charles was a joker and loved to keep people laughing. He had a sharp wit and enjoyed telling jokes to everyone. He spent time in his garden or fixing everything he could for any of his family and friends. During the summer, you could find Charles being the grill master for family barbecues and making sure everyone had a good meal. He even made sure the local squirrels and stray cats were fed well. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals. Charles loved his family and spending time with them,especially his brother Richard. He spent time at the Serenity Nursing Facility where he volunteered his time being the bingo game caller for his brother and other residents. If he wasn't there, he was probably with his grandson,Joshua, watching a movie or completing puzzles and playing card games with Hailey, his granddaughter. Whenever Charles did slow down a bit you would find him on a raft enjoying just floating around his pool. This day heaven gained an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will continue to live on by giving a gift to Gift of Life to help others. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Anna. Charles is mourned by his loving wife of forty three years. Marie, at home; daughter Melissa Koulik, Wilkes-Barre; son Charles Jr. and his wife Kristin, Wilkes-Barre; grandson Joshua Lord, Wilkes-Barre; granddaughter Hailey Koulik, Wilkes-Barre; brothers Chester and his wife Ann, Hilldale; and Richard, Exeter; his cousins Larry and Barbara Koulik, Hudson, and Catherine Podczaski-Suraci,Pittston; his life long friend Joseph Guzenski, Pittston; his cat Blackish; and his extended family and friends. Family and friends are invited to a visitation held on Wednesday, June 7,from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains, Pa. Funeral Service will begin at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew's Parish, 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre. Mass will be officiated by Rev. Joseph Kearney. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be given to St Andrew Parish , 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA Online condolences to the family or for directions for services please visit www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.