George S. Vukich

Our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa George S Vukich (Vucicevich / Turnsek)  passed from his earthly body to his heavenly home with our Lord Jesus on Sunday May 28th.  Born in Tremont, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1931, he was preceded in death by his loving parents Samuel and Annie (nee Turnsek) Vucicevich and his beloved sisters Diane Thomas (James); Nadia Phelan (John); Lily Massa (Louis). 

Before the family moved to Akron (the “big” city) in 1945 they had resided in a number of coal mining towns in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. One of the first things their dad and mom had to do before school started was to make sure each child had a pair of shoes to wear to school since they had not needed them in the coal towns.

After graduating from South High School George joined the U.S. Army. He shared many stories of his experiences and also saved priceless black and white photographs which he happily shared. He met his future wife Stephanie (Kantorowski) at the Polish American Club in North Hill. They began their life journey together 68-plus years ago. He worked at the mail room at Firestone Tire, a meat packing business next to Hower Vocational school, a neighborhood friend’s family bakery, his brother-in-law’s diaper delivery service and eventually a number of trucking companies in the area. He shared many memories of all of those experiences and gained lifelong friendships along the way. 

His love of family and friends was always felt and could be seen in his eyes and how he always would welcome anyone. He loved big hello’s and hated goodbye’s. He had a keen interest in any of the things that hischildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren were doing and loved being a part of their lives. Attending the high school and college graduations were some of the most special moments for him. He always loved any family gathering or visit and he especially valued the photographs that he would take. He would make sure he had new camera film ready so that he would not miss taking any pictures! Some of the most special pictures are those with his grandchildren while they would be at some favorite little fishing outings. 

He enjoyed cooking and sharing with family who would come over. He made special trips to local stores and for many years traveled to Ellis bakery, Sanabel’s, DiFeo’s and Al’s Quality Market for special items that he would share with anyone. He loved having meals together and appreciated any foods you would make and share with him. He would tell you many times how much he appreciated what you did for him.

George is survived by his devoted and loving family: wife Stephanie; sons Mark (Wooster) and Steve (Suffield); daughters Christine (Richard)Morckel (Akron) and Karen (Andy) Pierce (Norton); grandsons James (Kendra) Pierce, Joshua (Nicole) Vukich, Daniel and Michael, Samuel Vukich; granddaughters Rachel (Andy) Laymon, Elyse and ElyzaMorckel; and Mary Vukich; great-grandchildren Justice Kitzmiller, Megan, Kelly and Kristin Laymon, Titus and Silas Vukich; brother Nicholas (Patricia) Vukich; brothers-in-law James Thomas and Walt Kantorowski and many nephews and nieces. He also had the pleasure of knowing some very special extended family – Sue Pierce, Allen Laymon, Chris Kitzmiller and Fred and Anne Cafarelli and their families. He was very thankful for wonderful neighbors and always appreciated their kindnesses over the last 40-plus years – especially Paul, Donna, Leo and Jack. The family would also like to thank many others from all over who have been most kind over these many years. He was also blessed with a wonderful physician Dr. Mark Smith and his staff at Summa Hospital. 

There will be no visitation.  Service will be held on Wednesday June 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman/Seville Ohio. Family and Friends are very welcome. https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ohiowesternreserve.asp   

George had a very big heart for people and animals. If you would like to send a donation in his memory here are two charities -   Veterans Recovery Housing in Akron, Ohio   https://truthandhonorinc.org/      330.515.6025 or 234.208.9245 and   One of a Kind Pet Rescue    https://www.oneofakindpets.com/site/    330.865.6200.  

38  When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
39  When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
40  And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’               

Matthew 25:31-46

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

- Matthew 11:28-29, NIV

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16