Nicholas Dranchak

Nick Dranchak was a kind and compassionate man who loved well.  A committed husband, father and friend.  His legacy lives on.  Nick passed away October 15, 2022 at his home.

Nick was born in Endicott, New York on August 30, 1929 the twin son of Charles and Anna (Demko) Dranchak.  His twin, Michael, only lived a few months.  He had two beloved older brothers, John and Bill.

He spent his youth in Endicott.  He played football and baseball at Union-Endicott High School.  He went on to play semi-pro football for a few years.  He started working part-time, at sixteen, for NY Telephone, and retired from there after 35 years.  He was head of The Annoyance Phone Call Bureau, of which he was very proud. Nick loved his work and the people he worked with.

Nick served in the Army, stateside, during the Korean War.

He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang with his church choirs and “The Voices of the River”, while living in Clayton, NY.

He loved football, always!  With two nephews and a niece who were officers in the Navy, and having lived and raised his family in Syracuse, NY, there was always a game to go to or watch on TV or listen to on the radio.  Go Navy!  Go Orange!  And let us not forget Syracuse Lacrosse.  He had three nephews who played for them, and one eventually became the head coach. A live game or tournament was the perfect time to spend with beloved brothers-in-law.

Nick is survived by his cherished wife, Dee (Swagler) Dranchak, and daughters, Sheree Dranchak (Jay Veasey), Sheila Birchler (Dan), Marsha Herb (Bob), and Melissa Forger (Jeral).  He also leaves behind 12 amazing and beloved grandchildren: Danielle, Corey, Rick, Tim, Adam, Jason, Mindy, Joshua, Peter, James, Morgan, and Tyler; 15 great-grandkids; and very dear nieces, nephews, and sister-in law.

Memorials:  If you would like to make a donation in Nick’s memory, we ask that you consider The Samaritans Purse.