Obituary of Sergei John Basalyga

Sergei J. Basalyga, 68, of Scranton died Wednesday afternoon at Hospice Community Care, Dunmore surrounded by his family. Born on January 29, 1942 in Old Forge, he was the son of late John and Olga Malish Basalyga. Sergei was an accomplished musician and his achievements included being awarded AAA U.S. National Accordion Champion in 1959 and performing in Broadway musicals, including the original Fiddler on the Roof and Dear World. Sergei graduated from Columbia University with a Masters of Music and Music Education. Later on, he owned several music and bookstore companies in Pennsylviania and New York. He was a parishioner of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, West Scranton . Surviving are his five children; Jenica Basalyga-Walker, Stamford, CT;Alexis Parcella, Stamford, CT; John Basalyga, Moscow; Nadya Basalyga, Dickson City; Tanya Basalyga;White Plains, NY; Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. The funeral will be on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St. , Taylor , by Archpriest Basil Micek. Interment will follow in St. Michael's Orthodox Cemetery , Old Forge. Friends may call on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Education Through Music, Inc., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1501, New York, New York, 10168 Read Sergei Basalyga's Obituary and Guestbook on www.semiancares.com.