Erik J. Kurelko, Sr., of Waianae, HI, formerly a longtime resident of Hermitage passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 15, 2024.

Erik was born January 1, 1967, in Greenville, PA, a son of Andrew "Paul" and Toni (Bailey) Kurelko, and graduated from Sharon High School in 1985.

Erik enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division for four years. During his service, he was stationed in Hawaii and Kentucky.

As a young man, Erik worked alongside his father at Kurelko's Garage, and following his military service worked for DeMascus Tube in Reynolds, PA. He then went into business with his brothers at Sunset Mortgage, before ultimately owning and operating Benchmark Mortgage which offered loans to Veterans through the Veteran Administration.

In addition to fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family, Erik also loved to listen to music, especially Prince, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan.

His wife of 36 years, Maria (Andrada) Kurelko, whom he married April 23, 1988, survives at their home.

In addition to his wife and parents, Erik is survived by two daughters, Ligaya Kurelko, Hermitage, and Jennilyn Antonio, San Diego, CA; two sons, Erik J. Kurelko, Jr., Sharon, and Nicanor Andrada (Yolanda), Butler, PA; seven grandchildren, Lio, Tyson, Amaya, Nicanor, Jr., Dravian, Gavin, and Joshua; three brothers, Dave Kurelko (fiancé, Lori), Mercer, PA, Paul Anthony Kurelko (Dawn), Hermitage, and Steven Kurelko, New Jersey; a brother-in-law, Jesse Andrada; and many nieces and nephews.

Erik was preceded in death by an infant son, Francis Kurelko; an infant brother, Joseph Kurelko; maternal grandparents, David and Patricia Bailey; and paternal grandparents, Andrew "Andy" and Eleanor Kurelko.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday (2-7-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be held immediately following at noon in the funeral home.

Military honors will be rendered by the Wheatland AL and Farrell and West Middlesex VFW Honor Guard.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.