Chaplain Major Nicholas Alexander Czaruk Jr., US Army retired, fell asleep in the Lord on December 22, 2025, at Cape Fear Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and kindness who dedicated his life to serving others with unwavering compassion and faith

Nicholas grew up in Ohio, graduating from Wintersville High School in 1962 and Ohio State University in 1966. He continued his education at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, where he became an Orthodox priest. His early ministry included serving in the parishes of Philipsburg and West Brownsville ,PA before joining the U.S. Army as a Chaplain. During his 20 years of dedicated service, he was stationed at Ft. Bragg, Korea, Ramstein, Fort Sill, Bad Kreuznach, and again at Fort Bragg, and he was deployed during Desert Storm. In 1994,upon retiring from the Army, Fr. Nicholas became the founding priest of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Fayetteville, where he served until 2003. Following his retirement from the priesthood, he contributed to the Fayetteville school system and worked with the U.S. Census Bureau.

He was a member of Sandhills Buckeye Alumni Association, an avid collector of Lionel trains, and knowledgeable in utilizing social media.  He was the caretaker for his seven spoiled housecats.

Chaplain Czaruk was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Nicholas and Norma(Kohut) Czaruk. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janet, and his sons, Nicholas III of San Diego, and Greg (Annie) of Muskogee, OK. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Annebelle and Gregory Wagner, as well as his stepson, William Sharpnack. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Pete Kohut , and sister Theresa (Bob) Stotler of North Canton, OH.  Nieces Alexandria Clark and Karena Czaruk.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:15 am at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church with a service at 10:15 am.  Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

''Over, and out'