Obituary of Harry Shayka

Harry Shayka, 96, passed away peacefully at home with family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann, and his children: Trish (Shayka) Miller of Wharton; Susan Shayka of Acworth, Georgia; Kathleen (Shayka) and James R Summers III of Punta Gorda, Florida; Paul and Margerie Shayka-Grossmann of Moorestown; Mary and Gregory Shayka of Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania and David and Lizbeth Shayka-Young of Wharton. Mr. Shayka is also survived by his sister Esther (Shayka) Frontuto of Egg Harbor, 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Harry was born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania of immigrant parents Sophia and Alex Shayka. As a young man, Harry rode a Harley motorcycle, which he nicknamed the White Whale. During the Great Depression, he sought work on a cross-country trip that included work on the Hoover Dam project. To his family, he recalled living in a workers' tent city set up on the Arizona side. Mr. Shayka was always strong willed and spoke about his giving up cigarette smoking the very day a tax was added to their sale. Harry resided in Newark and met Ann, his lifelong companion, at their place of work. Their first date was Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and they continued to attend this service though out their 67 year marriage. Harry worked for Jaynes Motor Freight of Elizabeth as a tractor-trailer driver for over 39 years. He was a member of Teamster Local 478. During WWII, Harry served in the Army-Air Corps, Ninth Air Force as a First Mechanic. His service included repairing airplanes every evening for their missions and waterproofing vehicles in preparation for D-Day. Upon his return from service overseas, Mr. Shayka designed a hand operated device to modify a vehicle for his war-injured friend so he could still drive despite losing the use of his legs. Throughout life, Mr. Shayka became solemn in remembering the many friends and members of flight crews that did not return from their service in the war. He continued his commitment to honor his fellow veterans with his community service volunteer activities. Harry moved his family to the Indian Lake Community in Denville in 1954. After retiring in 1975, Harry enjoyed spending winters with his wife in Bradenton, Florida. Harry was a longtime member of St. Mary's in Denville and Sts. Peter and Paul in Bradenton. He was active in the American Legion for more than 50 years, and served as Commander of Post # 390 from 1980 through 1982. Mr. Shayka was devoted to his community through service in the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Shoot the Breeze Club, Denville Seniors, Meals on Wheels and the Memorial Society. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Catherine (Shayka) Painter and his brothers Marty, George, Alex and Steven. Friends and family will recall his preparation of delicious meals for various fundraisers benefiting charitable efforts of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Republican Club and Denville Senior Men. Mr. Shayka was the last surviving charter member of "Shoot the Breeze" Senior Men. In 1999, St. Francis Residential Community Center recognized Mr. Shayka for his service with the Living Treasures Award. Family will remember his strength and determination, his strong grip even to his final days and his helping hand wherever needed; his intelligence and vision; his mechanical, design, engineering and construction skills; his many projects of model, craft, and rosary making; his sharp wit, and teasing with a wink; and his love for his wife Ann. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a gift to American Legion Post #390 or St. Mary's Academy in Denville, New Jersey. Funeral services will begin at 9AM on Wednesday September 23, at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave Denville, NJ, for a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Mary's Church in Denville. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9PM. Please light a candle in his memory at: www.normandean.com.