William Sauchuk, 92, died April 9, 2012 following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Annie (Brazuk) Sauchuk, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.
Bill was born in Peabody but was raised in Danvers by his Ukrainian immigrant parents during a time when Danvers consisted mostly of open fields and farms. During the depression years, after his parents died young and the family fell on hard times, Bill emerged from the experience with a respect and appreciation for his family and fellow neighbors. Bill attended Holten High School as a member of the Class of 1938. As one of nine children, “Spud,” as he was commonly known, learned that hard work, Discipline, honesty, and frugality were his keys to success and those traits guided him throughout his life.
After recovering from a serious automobile accident, he enlisted in the US Army at the start of WWII. He served as a sergeant in the Medical Corps and upon discharge became a life member in the Danvers VFW post #80.
Upon returning to Danvers, Bill worked as a carpenter constructing houses in Woodvale, as a leather worker, and as part owner and operator of Getchell’s Gas Station and automobile repair shop.
He and his late wife took great pleasure in square-dancing, bowling, gardening, farming, and travelling throughout the US and other countries. Bill was a member of the Polish, Russian, Lithuanian American Citizens’ Club in Danvers for more than 65 years, where he was an active member and benefactor, and a well-liked member of the Danvers Merchants Bowling League. He was active at Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, helping maintain the grounds, making candles, and serving on the property committee for over twenty years. Over the years, he could not resist helping others and was quietly generous to family, friends, and young people in need.
He leaves his sister, Fenna “Fannie” Gadbois of Las Vegas, NV, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Stephen, John, James, Michael, and Julian Sauchuk, Alice Sullivan, Vera Anastasi, and Annie Munro.
His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 10AM in Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 64 Forrester St., Salem. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Visiting hours are Monday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers and will conclude with the Panikhida Service at 7PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polish Club Scholarship Fund, 12 Cheever St., Danvers, MA 01923 or St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 64 Forrester St., Salem, MA 01970.