Trending
Philip John Kachurik, 75, died peacefully at his home in Sun Lakes, Arizona on August 3, 2023.
P.J. was retired from Gila River Casino where he worked as a poker dealer. He was born on August 22, 1947 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania and grew up fishing, hunting and spending lots of time with his large extended family of Polish heritage.
P.J. graduated from West Liberty College with a degree in Economics, where he met his first wife, Elizabeth Vaonakis McKee. They lived in Wheeling raising their only child Renee Elizabeth Griffin. P.J. most notably enjoyed his years working as a basketball and football official for local junior high and high schools, and then later in Division II college football regionally. He also cherished the years he operated his bar and restaurant, P.J.'s Club, with his brother Rick in the Legion Post One location in downtown Wheeling.
After moving west, P.J. loved working as a poker dealer and getting to call the warm Arizona climate his home. Any time he got the chance, he would make reference to the cold weather back east while he was basking in the Arizona sun- shine. He was often called "Happy Pappy" by many.
P.J. married Roberta (Bobbie) Seeley Lamb in 2001 and they settled in Sun Lakes with their dogs Hank, Montana and Patch. As a couple, they were fortunate to visit Hawaii a couple of times, even considering a move there as they truly loved the beauty it had to offer. P.J. loved the Steelers, Pirates, Penn State football, a cold Iron City beer, bowling, playing darts, many card games as well as preparing ribs and chicken wings for friends and family. He also took great pleasure in learning about the Civil War and World War II through books and videos any time possible.
Despite living so far away, P.J. made trips back east once or twice per year in order to see his granddaughters as they grew up and spend time with his daughter and other family and friends in Wheeling and in New Kensington. These trips are cherished memories of laughs, meals, fun and togetherness for all of us.
In addition to his parents, P.J. is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Richard Kachurik, and a step-grandson Nicholas M. Hawley. He is survived by his wife Bobbie of Sun Lakes, daughter Renee Griffin (Mike) of Wheeling, step-daughter Jacqueline Hawley-Moore of Sun Lakes, granddaughters Kacie Griffin of Charlotte, NC and Karlee Griffin of Wheeling & Morgantown, and step – granddaughter Cierra Moore of Arizona. His presence, along with his laugh and love of family will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Memorial contributions can be made to your local dog shelter or to the American Cancer Society.