Sylvia M. Vaschak 1930-2025

She was born in Youngstown to Silvio and Domenica Tarli Calcagni and attended Youngstown East High School.

She married Joseph Vaschak in 1950, and they enjoyed 73 years of marriage in Campbell and later in Huron. Together, they raised three sons.

During her time in Campbell, a city and community she loved, Sylvia was a homemaker, a competitive golfer and bowler, and a friend to many. She was an excellent cook of both Slovak and Italian dishes, many of which reflected her family’s roots in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. Her sons’ favorites were her kolachi, pagash (bayoush), cavatelli, wedding soup, breaded olives and breaded steak.

Sylvia was small, mighty and fiercely competitive, especially in golf, where she held a four handicap well into her 80s.

She was a lifelong member of Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church (formerly St. John the Baptist) in Campbell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Vaschak; her son, Michael Vaschak; two brothers, Julius “Jay” and Patrick Calcagni; and her sister, Theresa Pastore.

She is survived by two sons, Joseph (Diane) Vaschak of Westfield, Massachusetts, and Dr. Robert (Bridget) Vaschak of Sandusky; and a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Vaschak of North Carolina. She also leaves six grandchildren, Jennifer (Brock) Currie of Springfield, Massachusetts, Michael (Dr. Courtney) Vaschak of Farmington, Connecticut, Rebecca (Ricki) Brideoake of Sapphire Beach, NSW, Australia, Megan (Andrew) Behnke of Sandusky, Hallie (Tyler) Brooks of Spokane, Washington, and Jonathon Vaschak of Quantico, Virginia. In addition, she leaves six great-grandchildren, Ellie Vaschak, Charley and Sebastian Brideoake, and Edward, Thomas and Leopold Behnke.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Providence Commons Assisted Living, Heartland Hospice, Sr. Laureen Painter, Father Jim Brown and Father Gerry Ceranowski for their excellent physical and spiritual care.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church (formerly St. John the Baptist), 159 Reed Ave., Campbell. Everyone is asked to meet at the church at 9:45 a.m.

Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Coitsville Township.

In accordance with Sylvia’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Funeral services are provided by Wasko Funeral Home, Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Sylvia’s memory may do so to Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, 397 S. Jackson St., Youngstown, OH 44506.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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