John Durisko, 99, of Hermitage, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in VA Butler Hospital.

Mr. Durisko was born on August 31, 1925, in Sharon, a son of the late Michael and Anna (Csordas) Dzuricsko. A lifelong area resident, he attended Farrell High School.

Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army, in Germany serving as a field medic in the 35th Infantry Division, under General Patton during WWII, achieving the rank of Sargeant. Just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured by the enemy and was a Prisoner of War (POW) for eight and a half months near the Baltic Sea. During his service he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and married his wife, the former Patricia Anne Kirila on June 21, 1947. Together they had two children. Patricia preceded him in death on January 18, 2010.

John worked more than 38 years as a coil winder, at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., retiring upon the plants closure in 1985.

John was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. Previously, he was a member of the former St. Ann's Church, Farrell.

He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #299, Sharon, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post # 6166, Hermitage.

He loved traveling on vacations with his wife and grandsons and building and flying radio controlled airplanes and boats. Additionally, he loved to read adventure books and watch John Wayne and Gunsmoke movies. He also loved his God, wife and family above all else.

He is survived by two sons, David P. Durisko and his wife Karlene, Wexford, PA, and John M. Durisko, Hermitage; three grandsons, John Andrew, Matthew Paul (Abby), and Patrick Joseph (Keely) Durisko; five great-grandchildren, Aiden, Violet, Theo, Magnolia and Aneillo, who referred to him as "G.G.Pa;" and his beloved dog, Gus.

G.G. Pa's BBQ will be deeply missed as well as his trips to Dunkin Donuts with his friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by five sisters, Mary Leonetti, Helen Opavsky, Pauline Golub, Mildred Luchey, and Anna Durisko; and three brothers, Michael, Jr., Andrew and George Durisko.

The family would like to thank the staff at all of the VA in Hermitage, Pittsburgh, and Butler, PA. What an amazing group of people. You couldn't ask for more professional and caring folks. We cannot thank you enough.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday (11/05/2024) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday (11/06/2024) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Sharon.

Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.