Gojko "George" Grkinich passed away early Sunday morning, July 22, 2018, in Nugent's CCRC, Hermitage, following an extended illness. He was 91.

Mr. Grkinich was born August 15, 1926, in Srem, Yugoslavia, a son of the late Spiro and Milica Grkinich.

He led a quiet country life with his parents and three siblings until the war took him away from home at the age of 15. At this time, he joined the Chetniks, an army of Serbian freedom fighters battling the communist regime in his homeland.

When the war ended, Gojko made his way to Italy with many of his compatriots. Returning home would mean certain death to all who fought against the communist government. While in Italy in 1944, he survived by selling cigarettes on the black market and working various security duties at airports and border checkpoints. Gojko then traveled to a refugee war camp in Germany where displaced persons awaited passage to a new country and a new life.

In 1947, he moved to northern England, and there he met his beloved late wife, the former Frieda Baumann, whom had also fled from her home country of Austria looking for work. They were soon married and settled near Manchester, England, where they had their first two children, Maria and Danica. During his time in England, Gojko worked in coal mines in Scotland, a very dirty and dangerous job requiring him to travel thousands of feet below the earth's surface. Closer to home in Manchester, he helped construct tunnels for the city's subway system.

In 1956, Gojko moved his small family to the U.S., traveling on the QE1, which at that time was the world's largest ocean liner. The Grkinich family's final destination was Farrell, where Gojko's father Spiro, and brother, Petar had already resided. Farrell had a thriving Serbian community at that time, many of whom came from the same villages in Yugoslavia.

Soon, Gojko and his wife, Frieda, welcomed three more children to the family; Alexander, Angelina and David. The steel industry was thriving and providing many jobs in the valley at that time. He worked at the mill for many years, but with his growing family in mind, took on other work as well. For a short time, Gojko worked with a local construction firm who were contracted to erect the new Howard Johnson building at the junction of Route's 18 and 62, as well as other projects. In addition, Gojko also completed many of his own cement jobs; sidewalks, patios, etc., some of which still stand today.

Always the go-getter, he took to doing roasts on the spit; lamb, pork, chicken, beef… you name it, he cooked it. Gojko had a reputation for being the best cook around, showcasing his talents at many weddings, graduations and company picnics. He roasted for years at Kennywood Park's annual three day Serbian Fest, Pittsburgh, and the Sharpsville VFW Carnival. He also donated his time and cooking talents to St. George Orthodox Church, Hermitage, and the Serbian Home, Farrell.

Even with his large family and constant work schedule, Gojko still had time to enjoy his hobbies. He made homemade wine and sausage all his life. Gojko participated in many bowling leagues and tournaments, helped coach his son's soccer leagues, and enjoyed card games. He liked to spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and golfing. Gojko was a man who enjoyed living and being surrounded by people from all walks of life. He was quite the social butterfly and therefore knew people from Europe, Canada, California, and places in between. In his later years, Gojko enjoyed traveling to see his children, taking trips to the casino, and playing bingo.

He was a larger-than-life kind of guy and will be missed by many.

Surviving are: three daughters, Maria Jobson, Danica Grkinich, and Angelina (Michael) Husk; two sons, Alexander (Sailly) Grkinich and David (Judith) Grkinich; a sister, Marija Odavic; seven grandchildren, Jamie (Eick) Nix, and Jeffrey, Kelly, Leslie, David, Jr., Dylan and Daniel Grkinich; and two great grandchildren, Mia and Tyler Grkinich.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (7-29-18) 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 11 a.m. Monday (7-30-18) in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Rd., Hermitage , with Fr. Vedran Grabic, officiating celebrant.

Interment: St. John Cemetery, Hermitage.