Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday for Alexander 'Alex' S. Wolanin of Brookfield, Oh, who passed away peacefully Monday (7-2-12) in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System of natural causes. He was 85.

Mr. Wolanin was born September 25, 1926 in Farrell, Pa., the son of Stephen and Mary Wolanin.

He attended the former St. Adalbert's Elementary School, Farrell, and he graduated from Sharon High School in 1944. He later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering.

Mr. Wolanin worked as an electrical engineer for 31 years at the former East Pittsburgh Generator Division of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in their D C motor, generator engineering, and rotating apparatus department, he retired in 1982. Alex was responsible for the electrical design of the rotating rectifier elements in their exciter rotor, the first large brushless excitation system to go into service on a turbine generator.

He was a member of St. Adalbert's Church, Farrell.

Alex belonged to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Center of Polish Culture Inc., and the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association.

Some of his hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and also enjoyed listening to classical and post WWII music. A decorated war veteran, he served with the United States Army during WWII and he was honorably discharged with the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Occupation Medal, and ultimately the WWII Victory Medal.

He is survived by his sister Bonnie Ataman, Masury, Ohio, seven nieces, and five nephews including Walter W. Wolanin his caregiver with whom he lived.

Alex was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Joseph, Walter, Henry, and Emil Wolanin, and four sisters, Stephany 'Stella' Brenick, Isabelle Emanuel, Sophie and Anne Wolanin, and two nieces, Kathy Wolanin Garrett, and Cynthia Wolanin Kalogeras.

In Lieu of flowers, his family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider St. Adalbert's Church, 1035 Fruit Ave., Farrell 16121.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (7-6-12) and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday (7-7-12) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.

Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematroy.com

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (7-7-12) in St. Adalbert's Church, 1035 Fruit Ave. Farrell with Rev. Daniel J. Kresinski, pastor, as the celebrant.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.