Basil John Havalchak

Basil John Havalchak, age 77, of Camp Hill, and formerly of Corning, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023.  Basil was born on Saturday, May 25, 1945, in Corning to the late Charles Havalchak and Anna (Minchie) Havalchak.  In addition to his parents, Basil is preceded in death by his brother: Andrew “Andy” Havalchak.

Basil’s survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann (Topichak) Havalchak; his three children: Ann Courtney Rieger and husband, Christopher, of Tokyo, Japan; Paul Basil Havalchak and wife, Jennifer, of Laguna Beach, CA; Katherine Jane Thomas and husband, Aaron, of West Chester, PA; and his eight grandchildren: Basil, Charlotte, George, Daniella, Jane, Henry, Phillip, and Theodore.

Basil graduated from Corning East High School as part of the class of 1964, from Penn State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and from Cornell University in 1970 with an MBA.  He owned and operated MDS until his retirement in 2008.  Basil attended St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox in Steelton, and St. Mary’s Orthodox in Painted Post, NY, and was a member of the Nittany Lion Club. Basil was a true sports fan, watching Penn State football and wrestling. He also coached all of his children’s baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer teams. He loved sharing his passion for sports with his children; he attended all of their sporting events; and often took them to PSU football and basketball events.  Basil took his children with him to NASCAR races at Daytona and Talladega, as well as concerts ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Metallica.  He was a world traveler, who traveled to Europe, Asia, Australia, and even chartered a sailboat to sail to nearly every Caribbean Island.  He loved taking family and friends to Keuka Lake, where they owned a home on the lake for 40 years.  Basil was very easy-going and played Santa at Christmas time. He was a loving, kind, and generous husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed. 

All are welcome to join Basil’s family at his viewing on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. until time of prayers at 12:45 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Basil’s family invites everyone to join them for a celebration of life reception with food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Family and friends are welcome to join Basil’s family at his viewing on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 61 Canada Road, Painted Post, New York 14870; with the Reverend Father Daniel Mahler officiating.  Burial will follow the service in St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Painted Post, New York.

Contributions in celebration of Basil’s life can be made to St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, 601 South Harrisburg Street, Steelton, PA 17113 or St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 61 Canada Road, Painted Post, New York 14870.

Basil’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Basil’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com