Veronica (King) Belekanich

Veronica Belekanich

1927-2021

Veronica Belekanich, 93, fell asleep in the Lord at home on Sunday, March 14, 2021.   For 66 years she was the loving and devoted wife of Francis Belekanich who passed before her in 2013. 

Born and raised in Freeland (Sandy Run) Pennsylvania, she was the youngest of five children born to Michael and Elizabeth (Metro) King.  She graduated from Foster Township High School in Freeland, Pennsylvania, and worked briefly at Tong Sol in Weatherly, PA until she met and married her husband, Francis.  Together they built and operated the Tip Top Bar and Restaurant in Freeland.  They worked tirelessly side by side to make it into the “CHEERS” like bar so many regulars came to know and love.  Her cooking was legendary!

Upon retirement to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Veronica became a beloved aide at Little Learners Preschool where she was affectionately known by children and parents alike as “Mrs. B.”  She excelled equally well in that role also.  She loved working with the children so very much and they, in turn, just loved being around her! 

Veronica lived a very full life.  First and foremost she lived to take care of her family; she always put her family first never herself.  She personified the virtues of love, caring, kindness, gentleness, generosity, sincerity, selflessness, and compassion.  Everyone who had the privilege of meeting her was quick to describe her as the sweetest person they ever knew…and that she was!  Her work ethic was beyond the pale.  She thrived on keeping busy and the term “energizer bunny” suited her well.

She was a God-loving woman who loved her faith, her church, and the many beautiful orthodox services throughout the year that she found so meaningful.  She was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Carpatho-Rusyn Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning.  She enjoyed being a “pirohi pincher” for church fund raisers which gave her an opportunity to socialize with her peers.  She loved attending the St. Luke’s Adult Day Program in Lehighton where she made many new friends and participated in a wide range of interesting activities.

Veronica pursued many interests throughout the years, including sewing, quilting, canning, gardening, and spending time with her family and the family dogs.  She was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed attending Penn State home football games in person and watching away games on television.  She prepared the greatest tailgating foods ever. After retiring, she and her husband, Francis, purchased a van and did some travelling and camping together, something they were never able to do while working so hard in their business. 

Once Veronica and her husband were introduced to the natural beauty of Broadkill Beach, Delaware, by their daughter, Carol, they quickly developed a love and appreciation for the beach.   It became Veronica’s “special place” and she always looked forward to spending time there.

Truth be told, Veronica and her daughter, Carol, shared a bond like no other and were inseparable throughout her life and to the very end. 

Veronica is survived by daughter, Carol Kardisco, grandsons Jason Kardisco, his wife Teresea, Justin Kardisco, his wife Meghan, and two great grandchildren, Gauge and Bryar all of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.She is also survived by a son, Thomas, his wife Christine, grandsons, Anthony and James, of San Diego, California, and nephews Mark Cheeseman of DeLand, Florida, Roland Cheeseman of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, John Younker of Leola, Pennsylvania, and Joseph King, of Baltimore, Maryland.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Joseph King, two sisters, Anna Cheeseman and Margaret Snoich, and niece, Mary Manna. 

Veronica will be forever missed by her family and those who came to know and love her.  She was an angel on this earth, but now heaven has welcomed its newest angel home. 

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in St. John Russian Orthodox Church, 9 W. Railroad St., Nesquehoning Pa with the Rev. Robert Teklinski officiating. Interment will be held in the Parish Cemetery, Nesquehoning. Call Friday morning 10-11:00 A.M. in the Church. Donations in her name may be made to St. John the Baptist Carpatho-Rusyn Orthodox Church. All visitors attending the viewing or services are required to wear masks and follow all CDC regulations. The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Online condolences at www.blazoskyfh.com.

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