Harvard Medical School in 1957, and became a cardiologist in Boston. Middle son Paul graduated from Villanova University in 1958 and became a career officer in the US Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He spent four and a half years in Vietnam, where he won a Silver Star and numerous other decorations. Youngest son Anthony earned a BS, magna cum laude, from Notre Dame in 1957, followed by an MD from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1961. He became an allergist and immunologist in Buffalo, New York. Death Peter P. Jurchak died prematurely on December 20, 1948, only days before his 17th wedding anniversary. Doctors from his wife's family were attending him throughout his stay. Laska's younger brother Dr. Francis Gaydosh flew to Wilkes-Barre from Wheeling on first learning of his brother-in-law's illness. Laska's father, Dr. Michael Gaydosh Sr., her other brother Dr. Michael Gaydosh Jr., and her older sister Dr. Anne Hughes and her husband Dr. Boland Hughes were all at Peter's bedside when he died. It was a serious loss to the Slovak cause. He was only 48 years old. There was an outpouring of affection from all walks of life that flooded the Yurchak home, and included among many messages of condolence was a stirring tribute from Pope Pius XII. Because of his vigorous fight for the independence of Slovakia in the post-war years, the Slovak consul in Washington sent a representative to Peter's funeral. In Slovak custom, the diplomat placed a handful of earth brought from Slovakia and some Slovak coins on Peter's casket—a tribute to his strong heritage. Publications The Slovaks: Their History and Traditions. 1946. Whiting IN: John J Lach / Obrana Press. Slovak Proverbs & Sayings. 1947. Scranton, PA: Obrana Press. References American people of Slovak descent Pennsylvania lawyers 1900 births 1948 deaths Dickinson School of Law alumni 20th-century American lawyers