Charles Fresko

Charles Fresko (Basil Charles Tereschak), 98, of Winter Park passed away Wednesday evening, February 24th, 2016, at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 12, 1917 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to the late John and Elizabeth (Goy) Tereschak, and later, baptized on June 17, 1917 at Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Charlie joined FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in his late youth, followed by the Army in peacetime, and then, the Navy in wartime. Charlie served in the US Navy during WWII from July 12, 1943 to September 25, 1945. After the war, he was selected to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. He was also selected to be part of the color guard at the White House for the arrival a Queen and King. “Choo Choo” Charlie (as he was fondly called) was a conductor for the Pennsylvania Railroad for 38 years. Charlie was a “crooner” and a “dancer.” He loved to sing, whistle, or keep time to music. He equally loved to ballroom dance even with his walker. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Fresko (Dunkle); three daughters: Diane McNeave, Carla (Dave) Hawke, and Janice MacDonald (McCauley); four grandchildren: Chris McNeave, Andrea Hawke, Kim (Walter) Christoefl, and Julie (Stephen) Steingass; seven great grandchildren: Heather Norton (Steingass), Rachel Steingass, Christian Christoefl, Trevor Christoefl, Elliot McNeave, Hannah McNeave, Camille McNeave; three sisters: Elizabeth Perechinsky, Anna Prokop, Irene Miller. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Peter Frishko (Tereschak), Nick Tereschak, Michael Frishko (Tereschak), Alexander Tereschak; one sister: Helen Micklick (Tereschak). Viewing will be held in the chapel of St. Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park on Wednesday, March 2nd, from 9:30 -10:30 am. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am by Fr. Walsh. Interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha. Funeral Services are provided by DeGusipe of Maitland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “in memory of Charles Fresko” to Easter Seals’ Day Break at the Miller Center. Mail checks to 2010 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Charles Fresko

June 12, 1917 - February 24, 2016