A life of inspiring youth ended when William Michael Pandak of Staunton joined the biggest league on August 19, 2010, at the home of his son in Richmond, VA.
Coach Pandak was born in McKees Rocks, PA, on August 4, 1925, to Stephen Pandak and Katherine Stefanac Pandak, who immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia). Bill trained as a concert violinist but, after playing high school basketball, chose to become an athlete. Bill started college at the University of Pittsburgh and then, because of World War II, joined the United States Navy. Before being "shipped out," he continued school at Bethany College, W.VA. After completing active service, Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Virginia. Bill received an honorable discharge from the Navy.
During his college years, Bill played baseball as well as basketball. He was on the starting team at each of the colleges he attended. He excelled as an athlete, and was honored by being lettered and with other awards.
In 1952, he married Violet M. Karavanic of Weirton, W.VA, the pretty athlete who captured his heart while they attended Bethany. Bill and Vi's families were friends through the Croatian Fraternal Union.
In 1953, Bill moved his family to Staunton, VA, to become basketball coach at Staunton Military Academy. They lived at Parkwood Apts. where they met many people who became life-long friends.
Bill coached SMA "Hilltopper" basketball teams to many championships, and served as Athletic Director for many years. Bill enabled many young athletes to receive college scholarships and some to play pro ball. He became affectionately known as "Coach." He also umpired and refereed high school games all over Virginia. He spoke at national basketball camps. Bill was recruited to coach pro and college teams but chose to stay in Staunton to ensure his family a nurturing community.
When SMA closed, Bill taught in the Augusta County School system. He coached at Riverheads High School, and enabled the Gladiators to win several championships. Coach ended his teaching career at Beverly Manor Elementary School where he created the tradition of World Health Day, involving he community. Coach continued to work with community youth following his retirement.
Bill attended St. Francis of Assisi Church in Staunton; he was a member of the close knit usher team. He was a member of the Staunton Elks Lodge, and CFU Conway Lodge 540.
Coach lived independently until his death. He shared times with many friends and family. He encouraged patients at Bethesda Physical Therapy, following his therapy for knee surgery. He tended his wife's gardens, and routinely gave flowers to local nursing home patientss. He raised funds for relief efforts, and took Christmas baskets to the needy and aged. He followed his beloved Cavaliers, Steelers and Pirates on television.
Bill is survived by his four children whose academic achievements are the result of Bill and Vi's constant parenting: attorney Sharon E. Pandak, and husband Robert Ross, Woodbridge, VA; gastroenterologist Dr. W. Michael Pandak, wife Jenni and children Phillip, Nicole and Christopher, Richmond, VA; dentist Dr. Hilary K.M. Pandak, Fairfax, VA; and daughter MBA Valerie Pandak-Anderson, husband R. Mark Anderson, and children Kristin and R. Bradley, Richmond, VA.
The family is grateful for the companionship provided by Coach's friends since his wife's death in 1995. We particularly thank his "guardian angel" neighbors Steve and Roberta Smith, the members of the Elks Lodge, and his former students.
Visitation with family was held at Reynolds-Hamrick Funeral Home, 18 West Frederick St., Staunton, Monday, August 23rd.
A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, August 24th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 118 North New Street, Staunton 24401. A reception followed at the Church hall.
Burial was private.
Memorial donations may be made to the CFU Scholarship Foundation, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5416; St. Francis of Assisi Church; Staunton-Augusta Y.M.C.A., 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401; or the American Cancer Society.
Coach Pandak played the game of life with a love of people, particularly the young.
Coach Pandak was born in McKees Rocks, PA, on August 4, 1925, to Stephen Pandak and Katherine Stefanac Pandak, who immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia). Bill trained as a concert violinist but, after playing high school basketball, chose to become an athlete. Bill started college at the University of Pittsburgh and then, because of World War II, joined the United States Navy. Before being "shipped out," he continued school at Bethany College, W.VA. After completing active service, Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Virginia. Bill received an honorable discharge from the Navy.
During his college years, Bill played baseball as well as basketball. He was on the starting team at each of the colleges he attended. He excelled as an athlete, and was honored by being lettered and with other awards.
In 1952, he married Violet M. Karavanic of Weirton, W.VA, the pretty athlete who captured his heart while they attended Bethany. Bill and Vi's families were friends through the Croatian Fraternal Union.
In 1953, Bill moved his family to Staunton, VA, to become basketball coach at Staunton Military Academy. They lived at Parkwood Apts. where they met many people who became life-long friends.
Bill coached SMA "Hilltopper" basketball teams to many championships, and served as Athletic Director for many years. Bill enabled many young athletes to receive college scholarships and some to play pro ball. He became affectionately known as "Coach." He also umpired and refereed high school games all over Virginia. He spoke at national basketball camps. Bill was recruited to coach pro and college teams but chose to stay in Staunton to ensure his family a nurturing community.
When SMA closed, Bill taught in the Augusta County School system. He coached at Riverheads High School, and enabled the Gladiators to win several championships. Coach ended his teaching career at Beverly Manor Elementary School where he created the tradition of World Health Day, involving he community. Coach continued to work with community youth following his retirement.
Bill attended St. Francis of Assisi Church in Staunton; he was a member of the close knit usher team. He was a member of the Staunton Elks Lodge, and CFU Conway Lodge 540.
Coach lived independently until his death. He shared times with many friends and family. He encouraged patients at Bethesda Physical Therapy, following his therapy for knee surgery. He tended his wife's gardens, and routinely gave flowers to local nursing home patientss. He raised funds for relief efforts, and took Christmas baskets to the needy and aged. He followed his beloved Cavaliers, Steelers and Pirates on television.
Bill is survived by his four children whose academic achievements are the result of Bill and Vi's constant parenting: attorney Sharon E. Pandak, and husband Robert Ross, Woodbridge, VA; gastroenterologist Dr. W. Michael Pandak, wife Jenni and children Phillip, Nicole and Christopher, Richmond, VA; dentist Dr. Hilary K.M. Pandak, Fairfax, VA; and daughter MBA Valerie Pandak-Anderson, husband R. Mark Anderson, and children Kristin and R. Bradley, Richmond, VA.
The family is grateful for the companionship provided by Coach's friends since his wife's death in 1995. We particularly thank his "guardian angel" neighbors Steve and Roberta Smith, the members of the Elks Lodge, and his former students.
Visitation with family was held at Reynolds-Hamrick Funeral Home, 18 West Frederick St., Staunton, Monday, August 23rd.
A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, August 24th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 118 North New Street, Staunton 24401. A reception followed at the Church hall.
Burial was private.
Memorial donations may be made to the CFU Scholarship Foundation, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5416; St. Francis of Assisi Church; Staunton-Augusta Y.M.C.A., 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401; or the American Cancer Society.
Coach Pandak played the game of life with a love of people, particularly the young.
A life of inspiring youth ended when William Michael Pandak of Staunton joined the biggest league on August 19, 2010, at the home of his son in Richmond, VA.
Coach Pandak was born in McKees Rocks, PA, on August 4, 1925, to Stephen Pandak and Katherine Stefanac Pandak, who immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia). Bill trained as a concert violinist but, after playing high school basketball, chose to become an athlete. Bill started college at the University of Pittsburgh and then, because of World War II, joined the United States Navy. Before being "shipped out," he continued school at Bethany College, W.VA. After completing active service, Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Virginia. Bill received an honorable discharge from the Navy.
During his college years, Bill played baseball as well as basketball. He was on the starting team at each of the colleges he attended. He excelled as an athlete, and was honored by being lettered and with other awards.
In 1952, he married Violet M. Karavanic of Weirton, W.VA, the pretty athlete who captured his heart while they attended Bethany. Bill and Vi's families were friends through the Croatian Fraternal Union.
In 1953, Bill moved his family to Staunton, VA, to become basketball coach at Staunton Military Academy. They lived at Parkwood Apts. where they met many people who became life-long friends.
Bill coached SMA "Hilltopper" basketball teams to many championships, and served as Athletic Director for many years. Bill enabled many young athletes to receive college scholarships and some to play pro ball. He became affectionately known as "Coach." He also umpired and refereed high school games all over Virginia. He spoke at national basketball camps. Bill was recruited to coach pro and college teams but chose to stay in Staunton to ensure his family a nurturing community.
When SMA closed, Bill taught in the Augusta County School system. He coached at Riverheads High School, and enabled the Gladiators to win several championships. Coach ended his teaching career at Beverly Manor Elementary School where he created the tradition of World Health Day, involving he community. Coach continued to work with community youth following his retirement.
Bill attended St. Francis of Assisi Church in Staunton; he was a member of the close knit usher team. He was a member of the Staunton Elks Lodge, and CFU Conway Lodge 540.
Coach lived independently until his death. He shared times with many friends and family. He encouraged patients at Bethesda Physical Therapy, following his therapy for knee surgery. He tended his wife's gardens, and routinely gave flowers to local nursing home patientss. He raised funds for relief efforts, and took Christmas baskets to the needy and aged. He followed his beloved Cavaliers, Steelers and Pirates on television.
Bill is survived by his four children whose academic achievements are the result of Bill and Vi's constant parenting: attorney Sharon E. Pandak, and husband Robert Ross, Woodbridge, VA; gastroenterologist Dr. W. Michael Pandak, wife Jenni and children Phillip, Nicole and Christopher, Richmond, VA; dentist Dr. Hilary K.M. Pandak, Fairfax, VA; and daughter MBA Valerie Pandak-Anderson, husband R. Mark Anderson, and children Kristin and R. Bradley, Richmond, VA.
The family is grateful for the companionship provided by Coach's friends since his wife's death in 1995. We particularly thank his "guardian angel" neighbors Steve and Roberta Smith, the members of the Elks Lodge, and his former students.
Visitation with family was held at Reynolds-Hamrick Funeral Home, 18 West Frederick St., Staunton, Monday, August 23rd.
A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, August 24th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 118 North New Street, Staunton 24401. A reception followed at the Church hall.
Burial was private.
Memorial donations may be made to the CFU Scholarship Foundation, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5416; St. Francis of Assisi Church; Staunton-Augusta Y.M.C.A., 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401; or the American Cancer Society.
Coach Pandak played the game of life with a love of people, particularly the young.
Coach Pandak was born in McKees Rocks, PA, on August 4, 1925, to Stephen Pandak and Katherine Stefanac Pandak, who immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia). Bill trained as a concert violinist but, after playing high school basketball, chose to become an athlete. Bill started college at the University of Pittsburgh and then, because of World War II, joined the United States Navy. Before being "shipped out," he continued school at Bethany College, W.VA. After completing active service, Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Virginia. Bill received an honorable discharge from the Navy.
During his college years, Bill played baseball as well as basketball. He was on the starting team at each of the colleges he attended. He excelled as an athlete, and was honored by being lettered and with other awards.
In 1952, he married Violet M. Karavanic of Weirton, W.VA, the pretty athlete who captured his heart while they attended Bethany. Bill and Vi's families were friends through the Croatian Fraternal Union.
In 1953, Bill moved his family to Staunton, VA, to become basketball coach at Staunton Military Academy. They lived at Parkwood Apts. where they met many people who became life-long friends.
Bill coached SMA "Hilltopper" basketball teams to many championships, and served as Athletic Director for many years. Bill enabled many young athletes to receive college scholarships and some to play pro ball. He became affectionately known as "Coach." He also umpired and refereed high school games all over Virginia. He spoke at national basketball camps. Bill was recruited to coach pro and college teams but chose to stay in Staunton to ensure his family a nurturing community.
When SMA closed, Bill taught in the Augusta County School system. He coached at Riverheads High School, and enabled the Gladiators to win several championships. Coach ended his teaching career at Beverly Manor Elementary School where he created the tradition of World Health Day, involving he community. Coach continued to work with community youth following his retirement.
Bill attended St. Francis of Assisi Church in Staunton; he was a member of the close knit usher team. He was a member of the Staunton Elks Lodge, and CFU Conway Lodge 540.
Coach lived independently until his death. He shared times with many friends and family. He encouraged patients at Bethesda Physical Therapy, following his therapy for knee surgery. He tended his wife's gardens, and routinely gave flowers to local nursing home patientss. He raised funds for relief efforts, and took Christmas baskets to the needy and aged. He followed his beloved Cavaliers, Steelers and Pirates on television.
Bill is survived by his four children whose academic achievements are the result of Bill and Vi's constant parenting: attorney Sharon E. Pandak, and husband Robert Ross, Woodbridge, VA; gastroenterologist Dr. W. Michael Pandak, wife Jenni and children Phillip, Nicole and Christopher, Richmond, VA; dentist Dr. Hilary K.M. Pandak, Fairfax, VA; and daughter MBA Valerie Pandak-Anderson, husband R. Mark Anderson, and children Kristin and R. Bradley, Richmond, VA.
The family is grateful for the companionship provided by Coach's friends since his wife's death in 1995. We particularly thank his "guardian angel" neighbors Steve and Roberta Smith, the members of the Elks Lodge, and his former students.
Visitation with family was held at Reynolds-Hamrick Funeral Home, 18 West Frederick St., Staunton, Monday, August 23rd.
A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, August 24th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 118 North New Street, Staunton 24401. A reception followed at the Church hall.
Burial was private.
Memorial donations may be made to the CFU Scholarship Foundation, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5416; St. Francis of Assisi Church; Staunton-Augusta Y.M.C.A., 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401; or the American Cancer Society.
Coach Pandak played the game of life with a love of people, particularly the young.
Gravesite Details
William Pandak was cremated and then buried.
Family Members
Siblings
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