Obituaries - Tuesday, August 25
Ronald Lou Pasterchalk
October 11, 1943 - August 22, 2026
Ronald “Butch” Pasterchalk of Wilmington, NC, was born October 11, 1943, and left this Earth on August 22, 2026. He was the son of the late George and Marion Pasterchalk of Meadow Lands, PA.
Butch was a 1961 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy and, after completing his service, went to work for Washington Steel in Houston, PA. He also proudly earned his Captain’s License—a fitting accomplishment for a man who loved being on the water.
Butch leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Joyce Karam Pasterchalk. They were married on December 17, 1971, at Meadowlands United Methodist Church. On that cold December day, they entered the church with no snow on the ground. When they walked out as husband and wife, they were greeted by a blanket of snow. Joyce will miss Butch dearly. He was, and always will be, the “Love of My Life.”
He also leaves behind his two daughters, Traci Noonan of Wilmington, NC, and Brandi Love of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Butch loved his girls fiercely and proudly coached many of their softball teams. He was also happy to welcome two sons-in-law, Mark Noonan and Adam Love, into the family. He loved them as if they were his own.
His grandsons, Devin, Seth, and Anson, will miss their Pap greatly. They will remember most of all the times Pap would let them “play hooky” to go fishing, and the countless lessons he was always ready to share about life, boats, and girls. There was never a shortage of advice when Pap was around.
Butch cherished his time with his granddaughters, Sophia and Sierra. They enjoyed talking about “life” together—from boys all the way to softball—and he was always ready to listen, laugh, and share his thoughts. He was proud of the young women they were becoming.
Butch is also survived by his brother and best friend, George “Dobe” Pasterchalk of Marianna, PA, and his wife, Sandy. Along with many friends and extended family who will remember him by his many nicknames (Boo, Ronnie or Butch), his quick sense of humor, and the stories he never seemed to get tired of telling—especially the one about that fish that got away.
Butch was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand, a boat nearby, or a cold beer in the garage with a friend. He loved being outdoors, being on the water, telling stories, and giving everyone around him a hard time. He had a way of making people laugh, and his stories—whether they were heard for the first time or the tenth—will be missed.
He lived a life full of family, friendship, laughter, and plenty of fishing stories. He was a husband, father, Pap, brother, friend, coach, sailor, and storyteller. Most of all, he was simply Butch—and there will never be another one quite like him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting a tree in Butch’s honor—a living reminder of someone who loved the outdoors, the water, and the people he loved most.
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The services and care have been entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S., 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.
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