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Harry S.
Zurasky Sr.

September 20, 1930 – October 18, 2018

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Harry Zurasky
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— Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory - Wilmington Road

Obituary for Harry S. Zurasky Sr.

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"The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children…." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Harry S, Zurasky, Sr., 88, passed away on October 18, 2018, at the Wesbury Retirement Community in Meadville, PA (Formerly of Mitchell Road, Neshannock). Born on September 20, 1930, to the late Julius and Agnes Donley Zurasky, Harry grew up in Shenango Township and graduated in 1948. After a year of working, he enrolled in Clarion State Teachers College. Soon after, he met the love of his life, the late Joan McQuiston Zurasky, whom he wed on April 5, 1952.

His call to service during the Korean Conflict delayed his studies at Clarion. Upon his return, he again joined the Clarion football team and graduated with a degree in secondary education. He later attended several summer enrichment programs, including a Rutgers University Summer Program receiving his Master equivalent degree in Math, and studied at Westminster College, earning his principal’s certificate and a Master’s Degree in Education.

His teaching career began in 1956 at Shenango High School where he taught math and coached football and basketball as well as serving as the 1960 class adviser, a group he kept tabs on throughout his life. In 1966, Harry moved to Neshannock High School as a math teacher and Junior High Football Coach. In 1969, he accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Neshannock, and in 1981 he became the Principal at Mercer Area High School; where he served until his retirement. During these years in education, he touched many lives.

During retirement, Harry worked for Watson, Inc. and then returned to education as a math and advanced placement calculus teacher at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage. He also served as Treasurer of the Mercer County Athletic Board.

In later years, Harry served on the Board of the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity and was a regular volunteer and site supervisor for projects. In the summers, he could be found in his garden in Neshannock Township raising vegetables that he sold to the community to support his church, King’s Chapel United Methodist, where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served on boards and committees.

Harry’s legacy continues through his adoring children, Joan Cooper and husband, Richard, of Blythewood, SC; Joyce Ober and husband, Richard, of Herndon, VA; Janice Hanna and husband, Jerry, of New Castle; Harry Zurasky, Jr. and wife, Ann, of Townville, PA; John Zurasky and wife, Suzanne, of Portland, OR; Christine Nelson and husband, Richard, of Columbia, SC; Gary Zurasky of Portland, OR; and through his 15 beloved grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers James Zurasky and wife, Pat, of Madison, AL; Russell Zurasky of Pulaski, PA; and Richard Zurasky of Greenville, PA, and sisters, Frances Sherry of Sharon, PA, and Patricia Diana and husband, Richard, of Louisville, KY.

Harry was preceded in death by wife, Joan; a brother, Paul, his sisters, Elsie Dean, Martha Reppart, and Anna Cooley; a son William Jenkins; and a daughter Carol Zurasky.

Harry’s life will be celebrated during a memorial service at King’s Chapel United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 10, 2018. The Family will welcome guests at 9:30 AM until the beginning of the service at 11 AM.


In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to a program to feed at risk students through New Richmond United Methodist Church Food for Thought 29776 State highway 77, Guys Mills, PA 16327 or King’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 861 Old Pulaski Road, New Castle, PA 16105

Interment will take place in Parkside Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Mill St.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.decarbofuneralhome.com.

Visitation

When Saturday, November 10th, 2018 9:30am - 11:00am
Location
King's Chapel United Methodist Church
Address
861 Old Pulaski Rd
New Castle, PA 16105

Service Information

When
Saturday, November 10th, 2018 11:00am
Location
King's Chapel United Methodist Church
Address
861 Old Pulaski Rd
New Castle, PA 16105

Interment Information

Location
Parkside Cemetery
Address
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