Thomas S. Turosak
Thomas S. Turosak, age 97, a lifelong resident of Smock, Pa., died on Saturday, August 27, 2005, in the Uniontown Hospital, Uniontown, Pa. He currently made his home with his loving daughter, Rosemarie Turosak Jarzynka, and devoted son-in-law, Steve Jarzynka, of McClellandtown, Pa. He was born on August 5, 1908, son of Thomas Turosak and Veronica (Migrock) Turosak.
Thomas was a member of Saint Hedwig Roman Catholic Church, Smock, Pa.
He began working as a coal miner at age 14 and many years later retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation’s Marianna Mine.
He was a local historian and member of the Smock Historical Society.
The community of Smock honored him with the “2001 Senior Citizen Salute” for his love, dedication and knowledge of the Smock area and the history of local coalmines and settlements.
Because of his distinguished efforts and knowledgeable presentations, Smock is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the United States Department of the Interior.
Thomas proudly served his country during World War II with the United States Army in communications.
He was a member of the General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103 in Hopwood, Pa., the American Legion Post in Grindstone, Pa., Disabled American Veterans, the Jednota Lodge No. 323, United Mine Workers of America District 5, and The Franklin Rod and Gun Club.
His parents, his wife, Helen (Petran) Turosak, and sisters and brothers, Veronica Mervak, Anna Vrabec, Mary Peskie, Margaret Danko, Martin Turosak, Paul Turosak and Joseph Turosak (at age three), preceded him in death.
Left to cherish his memory are: his daughter, Rosemarie Turosak Jarzynka and her husband, Steve Jarzynka, of McClellandtown, Pa.; granddaughter, Stephanie Jarzynka Rehanek and her husband, Jerry Rehanek, of Crofton, Maryland; three great grandchildren: Abby Rehanek, Nick Rehanek and Lucas Rehanek; brothers: Stephen Turosak and Fred Crall and his wife, Margaret; a sister, Elaine Babbony and her husband, Paul; numerous nieces and nephews; a special niece, Eleanor Vrabec of Smock, Pa.; and dear family friends: Ann Valusek of Edenborn, Pa., and Theresa Wadsworth of Uniontown, Pa.
Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME AT SYLVAN HEIGHTS CEMETERY, A Dignity Memorial Provider, 603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., on Wednesday, August 31, from 3 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, September 1, until 9:15 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said.
A Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10 a.m. in Saint Hedwig Roman Catholic Church, Smock, with the Rev. Father John A. Sedlak as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Saint Hedwig Cemetery, Smock, where the General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103, Hopwood, will accord Military Honors.
The Parish Vigil Service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. The Saint Hedwig Rosary Society of Smock and Saint Mary’s Rosary Society of Leckrone, Pa. will recite the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening.