George Wozniak, Sr.

WOZNIAK, GEORGE, SR, 87, LILLY - On the morning of May 14th, 2019, my grandfather was called by our Most Righteous Savior, to leave his earthly vessel, the body which trekked on Earth for 87 years.  His spirit rose to be welcomed by family and friends that have gone before him; simultaneously all of his pain and suffering parished.  He was reunited with his parents Joseph and Mary Wozniak; brothers and sisters; in-laws; his granddaughter Ashley, as well as his very loyal pet dogs: Pierre, Queeny, and Dakota.  He is survived by his wife, Anna; daughters Toni Myers (Ray) and Karen Spaid (Mike); son George and wife Tammy Wozniak; 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; brother in-law Robert Kodosky; sister-in-law Mary (Ray) Savukas, and nieces and nephews. He was raised in Portage PA, on a farm. He attended Portage High School.  He met his wife of 64 years, Anna, at a high school football game.  He was drafted by the Army; which led him to serve the country in the Korean War. He and his wife married in 1955, and dreamed of creating a family; their dream not only became a reality, but later in life added several limbs to their family tree. After retiring, (like most people) boredom struck - which enticed him to become a Bus Driver for Wilkinson's Busline, of Cresson, PA.  He did this for years, a job that he dubbed as one of his favorites. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Church, which later became Our Lady of the Alleghenies, in Lilly, PA.  He was a servant of God - living a life stemming from a foundation of devout Catholic Faith.  When called upon, he would usher any mass he attended. He enjoyed coaching his son on the Lilly Legion Baseball Team, and was a part of the Lilly Council for numerous years.  He was a Pittsburgh fan - faithfully cheering on the Pirates and Steelers every season. My grandfather, had a love for the outdoors, this included: camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and delving into home repairs.  He loved sitting in a lawn chair watching (us all) ride bikes; after all he was the one that taught us.  He looked forward to summer nights, as they promised a seat beside his wife on their glider-swing. There are many things that we will wholeheartedly miss as we mourn such a significant loss to our family: he was a Superfan - while he continuously rooted on his children (and their children) at many venues, his unwavering love and support off the court/field was immeasurable.  He was constant comic relief to our family - joking always.  He loved to summon any one of us close enough to "tug on our hair" or use his cane-end to drag a great-grandkid closer to him.  He also exuberated (and taught) lifelong perseverance. Pap was the family medic - removing countless splinters, and providing first-aid to scrapes, bumps and bruises throughout my childhood; he also served as the "infamous tooth-puller."  He loved animals, and enjoyed putting together puzzles.  He liked working with his hands, and was always up for a challenge of untangling a knotted necklace. Pap enjoyed ice-cream every evening, with grandma of course.  He was a dedicated Wheel of Fortune viewer, who anxiously awaited Vanna White every evening.  He had a welcoming pallet for sweets, especially coconut cream-pie. But most importantly, he was the best example of a husband, dad, and grandfather - he has inspired us all to give our best, even on days that we may feel our worst; he instilled values within us, giving us the tools, to one day measure up to being a person as special as him. In my eyes, my grandfather was great man, and I believe when a great man dies, for years to come, the light left behind will guide those he loved. So-long, pap; it's never good-bye, it's only "until we meet again." There will be a private viewing for family, held at Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Chapel, Lilly; Father Kevin Queally, TOR celebrant. Committal in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lilly. Military rites by the Lilly American Legion and VFW

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