Philip John Gradisek

Philip John Gradisek, 81, of Herminie, died at Redstone Highlands Nursing Home on June 24, 2024. Philip graduated from Sewickley High School, class of 1960, and was the third child of five children born to parents Frank and Angela (Flere) Gradisek, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his oldest brother, Frank “Eddie” Gradisek; and nephew, Frankie Gradisek. He is survived by his stepson, James Gregg; his daughter, Heather (Tommy) Diehl; and two grandchildren, TJ and Ava Diehl. Also surviving are Philip’s siblings, Thomas (Gina) Gradisek, Francie Gradisek Sinan and Florence Gradisek, all of Herminie; his nephews and nieces, Maury (Kathleen) Sinan, Karen (Doug) Budd, Vincent (Beverly) Gradisek, Tommy Gradisek, Michael Gradisek and Pam (John) Ianitto; and great-nieces, Sophie Budd, Elizabeth (Justin) Ross, Megan (Matt) Dwyer, Madison Sinan, Mary Sinan, and Morgan Sinan. He will be missed by his Flere cousins from Ohio and Texas, and his Gradisek cousins from Pennsylvania. Philip was a member of the PA Army National Guard and earned a Staff Sergeant rank with Marksmanship medal. He was a proud member of the Slovene National Benefit Society, Lodge #87, of Herminie for over 60 years. Philip began working on cars when he was only 12 years old, helping a neighbor to do auto repairs, so he had an early start on his career in the automobile repair industry. Philip attended General Motors Technical School and received a Certificate of Excellence in Auto-Body Repair. He began working at Schade’s Chevrolet in Irwin when he was 19 years old, but his dream to have his own auto body and repair business came to reality in 1963 when he built a three-bay two-story brick structure in Keystone, PA, through a bank loan guaranteed by his father, who encouraged him to become a small business owner. He also attended Duquesne University at their Small Business Institute. He loved auto body work – especially painting and restoring a wrecked car – but especially, Philip loved doing suspension work! He added a Bear Alignment Computer to his services and received a certificate from Bear Frame Service School in Illinois. He was soon considered the “expert” at Front End Alignment in the area. He also invested in the most modern welding equipment, added a special Paint Room with an air purifier and drying lights, and eventually added a Frame Machine. Philip decided on the name of Gradisek Auto Body & Frame for his business. He always boasted he had a “white collar job,” because he had a white uniform shirt with his business logo “Gradisek Auto Body & Frame” emblazoned over the front pocket. His professional ability to return a wrecked car to pristine condition was widely respected by the community, plus he continued to achieve excellence at his beloved “suspension work!” Philip was an avid hunter (gun and bow) and would joke that he was often outwitted by the genius turkeys! He loved riding his so-called “4-Weiner” through the forest that surrounded his “Cabin” located near Seven Springs Resort. He loved his time spent at his Cabin, which he remodeled and enlarged. He filled his Cabin with hundreds of vintage collectibles and always had a project going to improve his Cabin or his surrounding wooded property. Philip loved making an outdoor fire, cooking overdone chicken with blackened potatoes on a grate and having friends stop in for dinner. He enjoyed life to its fullest, having fun and never losing his sense of humor. If you wanted to laugh with someone, just have a conversation with Philip! He helped everyone who asked him and his personality and good humor won him many friends. We will miss his laughter and jokes we shared together. The Family also thanks Linda Sterner for her loving friendship and care for Philip over the last 30 years. May Philip have happiness and peace in Heaven where God allows him to be in his “Cabin” and beloved “Garage” once again and Philip’s joy will be eternal. Funeral arrangements have been made at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME, 404 Sewickley Avenue, Herminie, PA. Viewing will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024 in the funeral home, with the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., St. Edward’s Church, 120 St. Edwards Lane, Herminie, PA 15637 with Father David Nazimek as celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park.