Wassil Draovitch

Wassil Draovitch, 90, of Mill Creek, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Geisinger-St. Luke’s Hospital, Orwigsburg.

He was born in Diener’s Hill on June 24, 1934. He was a son of the late Wassil and Pearl (Ponchar) Draovitch.

Following his graduation from St. Clair High School, class of 1952, Wassil went on to serve in the US Navy in the Korean War. As a radio operator, he was assigned to the mine sweepers USS Swift and USS Prestige.

Wassil retired following a 40-year career with the US Postal Service, of which 19 years was spent as Postmaster of Gilberton, St. Clair, Mary D, and Port Carbon post offices.

He was a very active member of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, Saint Clair, where he served over 40 years as Treasurer, liturgy bell ringer, and choir member. One of his favorite roles was helping his church family with the making of goods such as homemade perogies and paska bread.

Wassil was also a member of the St. Clair American Legion Post 719. He was a former member of the Good Intent Fire Company, where he participated on the bowling team.  Wassil was also a Port Carbon Little League Coach in the 60s and 70s.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two older sisters, one younger sister, and six older brothers.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Georgine (Naradko) Draovitch; two sons, Peter Draovitch and his wife Debra of Jacksonville, FL; Paul Draovitch and his wife Janie of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Kathleen Draovitch Modica of Orwigsburg; and his eldest sister, Ethel Daderko of Summit Hill. Wassil also has six grandchildren: Tyler Draovitch and his wife Jen, Victoria Draovitch, Ana Draovitch, Daria Draovitch, Francesca Modica, Dimitri Modica, Great-granddaughter Annie Draovitch, and nieces and nephews of 3 generations.

Wassil was admired by all for his kindness, positivity, care for others, and unconditional love for the Lord and his family. Wassil’s family and friends cherished his sense of humor and his contagious smile. He was a valued servant of God and his community, and he will always be remembered for the imprint he made on everyone’s hearts and the earth.

Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM Friday from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 105 North Morris Street  St. Clair, PA 17970. The Rev. Monsignor Myron Grabowski will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 AM Friday from the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project  P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Burial with military honors will follow church services at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.