Ernest (Ernie) Frank Dostalik, 90, of Ohioville, passed away on July 26th, 2026, at Beaver Meadows in Brighton Township.
He was born in Beaver Falls on February 28th, 1936, the son of the late Ernest and Agnes Dostalik.
After graduating from Beaver Falls High School, he attended Duquesne University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. While there, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Hornick. They were united in marriage on December 26th, 1959.
He and Evelyn started their life together in Aspinwall. A short time later, they moved to Midland, when he purchased George’s Pharmacy (later renamed Ernie’s Pharmacy). His brother-in-law, Mike Hornick, joined the business in the early 70s and a second location was added in 1980: Porter’s Pharmacy in Moon Township. He loved helping customers and was well-known for his warm greetings, sense of humor and smile. After 47 years serving the Midland and Moon Township communities, he retired when both locations were sold.
In 1968, he and Evelyn built a home on the edge of Evelyn’s parent’s farm and orchard in Ohioville. There, many wonderful memories were made with their children, Ernie Jr, Theresa and Martin.
“PapPar” as his grand/great grandkids fondly called him, was a big kid at heart who could usually be found playing on the floor or out in the backyard. From board games, bedtime stories and time in the pool, to Bocce ball, tractor rides, and early morning trips to Oram’s Donut Shop, Ernie loved spending time with them.
He treasured times traveling with family and friends. Favorites included several trips to Aruba with Evelyn; a Hawaiian family vacation; four trips to Slovakia; an Alaskan cruise; and a trip to the Grand Canyon with friends. He also enjoyed frequent trips to Illinois and Iowa to attend his grand/great-grandchildren’s concerts, recitals, birthday parties and graduations.
He and Evelyn enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, as well as the Duquesne Dukes. Ernie was also active in the local Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus, and he served as a 4-H leader for several years.
He is survived by his sisters, Betty Giovanazzi (Homer Glen, Illinois,) and Aggie Mitchell (Roswell, Georgia), his children Theresa Dostalik (Monaca) and Marty (Kari) Dostalik (Urbandale, Iowa), his daughter-in-law, Becky Dostalik (Walnut, Illinois), his grandchildren: Ruth (Isaac) Vohland (Walnut, Illinois), Ben Dostalik (Walnut, Illinois), Adam Dostalik (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Haley Dostalik (Houston, Texas), his great grandchildren, Livia, Audra and Jacob Vohland (Walnut, Illinois) and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Dostalik, and son, Ernie Dostalik Jr.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29th from 3-7 p.m. at Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 30th at Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, St. Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed toward the Marfan Foundation (https://marfan.org/donate/) and Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer’s Association ).
The family would like to thank the staff at Hemsley House of McCandless and Beaver Meadows for their loving care and support.