Dr. Albert F. Maruskin

It is with deep sorrow to announce that Dr. Albert F. Maruskin, 91, of Venice Florida, departed this life on December 19, 2024. Born in Harmarville, PA on January 8, 1933, Al was the youngest of seven children born to Frank (a coal miner), and Pauline Maruskin, who emigrated from Slovakia in the early 1900’s.

Educated in Harmar Township in Allegheny County, he served in the U.S. Army, after which by utilizing the GI Bill of Rights, he received his BA from Penn State University. He continued his education while employed at California University of PA, with his Master’s in Library Science and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, during which time he authored his book, “OCLC Its Governance, Function, Financing and Technology.” He retired in 1995 as Emeritus Professor from California University of PA. Al has always been actively involved in libraries. He served on the Board of the Monessen Public Library and Professor after many years in Manderino Library, retiring in 1995. He was also very active in the Orthodox Christian Church, serving on the Parish Councils of St. Nicholas Church in Donora, PA, and Holy Spirit Orthodox Church of Venice, FL.

He married Helen Balkunowa, the mother of his two daughters, Lynn Geer (Todd) and Beth Maruskin (Dr. Lee Silverman). After her death, he married Marie Kanzius Guidos, who survives. In addition to his wife, Marie, and his daughters, he is survived by stepchildren, Anne Freeman (Hank), Dr. Paul J Guidos (Dr. Annamaria), Dr. Lori Guidos (Cheryl Deaner), and Robert J. Guidos. He is also survived by grandchildren: Dr. Chelsea Geer, Megan Geer, step grandchildren: Matthew Opachick (Erica Woodrum), Angelina Grabowski (Alex), Dr. P. Joseph Guidos, Dr. P. Anthony Guidos, Jesse Deaner and step great-grandchildren: Oscar Opachick and Jewell Opachick. and a number of surviving nieces and nephews. He was the last survivor of his family: Frank Maruskin, Amelia Trzeciak, Pauline Maruskin, Susan Ballas, John Maruskin, and Anna Mae Mariano.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM at the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Venice on Monday, December 30, 2024.  Additional services and burial will be held in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The family suggests no flowers but requests any donation in his memory be sent to Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 700 Shamrock Boulevard, Venice, Fl 34293.