Walter Krickich, 94, of Hermitage, passed away Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024.

Mr. Krickich was born on July 16, 1930, in Farrell at home, a son of the late Spiro and Sophie (Trkula) Krickich. He was a 1948 graduate of Farrell High School, where he met the love of his life and wife of 73 years, the former Juliann Marie Rehak, whom he married on March 3, 1951.

At around the age of 12, he began working at the service station on Wallis Ave., Farrell. Eventually, Walter purchased the station and successfully operated his business through the Gulf Oil Corporation for more than 40 years until he retired. Later, he answered a call from his dear friends at Yourga and Steel Trucking, working for them for nearly ten years, when he retired a second time.

Walter was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage. He was also a member of the Lions Club, Farrell, where he was the former King Lion. Additionally, he was a Free and Accepted Mason, Kedron Lodge #389, West Middlesex.

He had a passion for Serbian music, and in his younger years, he played the harmonica, all the string instruments and sang in the Balkan Sons, a Tamburitza Orchestra Group. "Wally" and Julie shared a passion for music and loved to jitterbug at Farrell High dances and went polka dancing every weekend.

An avid golfer, Walter was a member of the former Oak Tree Country Club and the former Sharon Country Club. Throughout the years, he won many local golfing honors, trophies and Serbian tournaments. Walter was extremely proud of his hole-in-one, on March 16, 1986, at Yankee Run Golf Course, Brookfield, OH. He also owned quarter horses, which he enjoyed riding, and boating and water skiing with many area families. Walter was also a big fan of duct tape, he used it on countless projects and could be considered a "Duct Tape Engineer."

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Bonnie Sich and her husband William, Hermitage; a daughter-in-law, Alise Krickich, Acworth, GA; and three grandchildren, Alexis Elizabeth Sich, Alec Floyd and Zakary Jon Krickich.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Walter Jon Krickich; his mother and father-in-law, Mary Elizabeth and Ollie Rudzki; and two brothers, George and Merle Krickich.

The family would like to thank Sandy, Walter and Juliann's nurse, for being so caring and giving the last several months; and the doctors, nurses and aides at Farrell UPMC.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or to Buhl Park Golf Course, 1290 Forker Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hour will be 10 am until the time of the service on Tuesday (08/06/2024) in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Funeral service will be immediately following at 11 a.m. in the church, with Rev. Vedran Grabic, officiating.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.