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James Bondarchuk | Retired machinist, 88
James Bondarchuk, 88, a retired machinist and an amateur beekeeper, died of cardiac arrest Saturday at his home in the Essington section of Tinicum Township.
Around Essington, Mr. Bondarchuk, who kept bees for many years, was known as the go-to guy to solve bee problems.
"Any time there was a swarm in the community, people would call and say, 'Are you the bee man?' " his daughter Christine Novelli said. "He'd go with the protective gear on, smoke out the queen from the tree or fence, put them in a box, and take them home."
Mr. Bondarchuk didn't keep a lot of hives - six, at most, his daughter said. But he prepared honey every spring and autumn and gave it to friends and family.
Born in Chester, Mr. Bondarchuk grew up on Long Island in Greenport, N.Y. He worked at Westinghouse Electric as a machinist for more than 40 years before retiring in 1982.
He was active with the Boy Scouts, serving as a district commissioner for many years. He also was a member of the Polish American Club in Clifton Heights, where he and his wife of 67 years, Nettie, enjoyed dancing.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Bondarchuk is survived by another daughter, Kathleen DiDomenico; four brothers; a sister; and three grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, Wanamaker Avenue and Gov. Printz Boulevard, Essington. Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tinicum Township Fire Company, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington, Pa. 19029.
