Alexander Teliak

Long-time Franklin resident Alexander Teliak passed away on August 9, 2015 at the age of 98. Mr. Teliak was born March 1, 1917 in Pittsburgh, PA, to Catherine and Anatoly Teliak, both of whom were Russian émigrés. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. In addition to his parents, Mr. Teliak was predeceased by his sister, Stella Teliak Van Blarcom, a niece, a nephew, and his beloved wife, Katherine (Kay) to whom he had been married for 65 years at the time of her death in 2008. Mr. Teliak experienced the hardship of living through the Great Depression. This experience instilled in him his dedicated work ethic and love of family. Mr. Teliak was inducted into the Army in 1942. As a member of “The Greatest Generation,” he served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre of Operation. After peace had been declared, he served with the Army of Occupation in Japan. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he spent most of his working career in the insurance business. He was active in church affairs, Cub Scouts, and in politics, promoting the election of various candidates for political office. All his life he was active in sports, at various times playing soccer, tennis, bowling, and his favorite, golf. In 1976, he retired from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City as a Section Supervisor. Upon retirement, he and Mrs. Teliak moved to Franklin where they participated in many activities and made many new friends. They traveled extensively through the continental United States and Canada, and to Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. They were members of All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Agnes Chapel. Mr. Teliak is survived by his son, Sandy (Diana) Teliak, of Gambrills, MD, and his daughters, Betty (Richard) Lesnieski of Chapin, SC, and Kathie (Paul) Wilbur of Summerville, SC. He is also survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a niece. He also treasured the friendships of his church and breakfast club friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 31, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Agnes Chapel, 66 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734. The family requests that memorials be sent to the church or to a charity of one’s choice. He will be greatly missed. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Alexander Teliak

March 1, 1917 - August 9, 2015