George E. Jurista

George E. Jurista, 99, of Tunkhannock passed away on Wednesday May 4, 2022 at the Gardens of Tunkhannock. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth and second wife Lillian. Born in Eatonville, PA on March 30, 1923 he was the son of the late Edward and Mary Gajdica Jurista. He was a member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and enjoyed working on the family farm and their many trips to Lancaster. George served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1943-1946 as a gunner’s mate aboard the USS Amsterdam. He earned three battle stars for his presence in Sicily, Southern France, and Tokyo. He is survived by sons, George, Jr. and Gary; daughter, Pat Bartron and husband Robert; step sons, Michael Goldsmith and wife Janis, Patrick Goldsmith and wife Nancy, and Edward Goldsmith and wife Ronda; step daughters, Linda Buffington and husband Charles, Anne Marie and husband Tom, Sharon Weidow and husband Joseph; 21 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by sisters, Antoinette Kristunas, Mary Kuffa, and Helen Sawicki Sharpe; brothers, Edward, Joseph, John, Michael, Andrew, and Thomas. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Gardens for all their care and compassion they have extended to George and his family. Family and friends are invited to attend George’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Wednesday May 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 99 E. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657 to be celebrated by Rev. Patrick Albert. Interment with full military honors will follow in Pieta Cemetery, Tunkhannock. A viewing will be held on Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, Inc. 73 W. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657.