George Tatusko

George Tatusko
of Endwell
George Tatusko, 90, of Endwell, fell asleep in the Lord on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010. George was born on November 28, 1919 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his parents, Tekla and Augustus Tatusko and his stepmother, Mary Goida Tatusko. He was also predeceased by ten sisters and brothers, six stepbrothers, one stepsister and one half sister. George is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Arlene. George is also survived by three sons: Bruce (and wife Sarah) of California; Wayne (and wife Cathryn) of Virginia, and Kirk (and wife Lisa) of Colorado. In addition, George is survived by five grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Matthew (and wife Marisa and their two sons, Jackson and Luke), Kiprian (and wife Abigail), Rachel, Lauren and Megan. He is also survived by one brother, Philip Tatusko, his wife Vera and their children Paula and Philip, Jr., and several nephews and nieces. George and Arlene were frequent hosts for gatherings of family and friends over the years. Many experienced and deeply appreciated their gracious and generous hospitality-a hallmark of their life together. George was a devout member of SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, New York. He served on the church board for 40 years (during 35 of which he served as treasurer) and sang in the choir for 73 years until his passing. George was instrumental in the construction of the new church building in 1960 and chaired the committee to raise funds for and install the stained glass windows that still beautify the SS Peter & Paul sanctuary. George enlisted in the Air Force during World War II and was a charter member of the World War II Memorial. The following is a posting available at the World War II Memorial kiosk in Washington, D.C.: "A B-24 pilot, flew 42 combat missions, based in Italy with the 376th Bomb Group, 515th Squadron, 15th Air Force, 210 combat hours. Received purple heart, air medals with five Oak Leaf clusters, and European Theater ribbon with six Battle stars." George began his career at IBM as an apprentice toolmaker at age 17. Except for his service in the Air Force, he worked at IBM for 42 years, rising through the ranks to become a project manager in charge of numerous departments. He retired from IBM in 1981. George was a member of the American Legion in Endicott, New York and of the Air Force Association.
Friends may call at the SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28. A Parastas will be sung at 8:00 p.m. with Very Reverend Alexey Karlgut officiating. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the SS Peter & Paul Cemetery off Newell Road in Endicott. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations to the Elevator Fund, SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 210 Hill Avenue, Endicott. The family would also like to express its deep appreciation to the caring people at Lourdes Hospice.