Alvin Chura Obituary
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Debi Jones
November 22, 2025
I miss you, Bro! It´s not the same with everyone gone from down here. My heart is breaking.
Debi Jones
November 11, 2024
I miss you so much, oh how I wish I could talk with you right now. Living out what I hollered @ you for
Deb Jones
November 8, 2023
When I was in middle school I used to ride Connie´s mean horse Jim. I was in the front yard & who knows why he bucked me off. Alvin got so mad, he picked up a 2x4 & smacked him in the butt. Jim turned around & with both hind legs he kicked Alvin in the chest knocking him flat on his back. Knocked the breath right out of him. I thought he was dead then he jumped up cussing. Just a memory....
Deb Jones
November 10, 2020
I miss you dear brother. Thank you for the wonderful memories. As always I remain “hungry for you” my bestest buddy.
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Deb Jones
November 8, 2019
Alvin was the best! His jokes, his stories, buck pool bar-hopping memories, the time & the love we shared are with me always deep in my heart. Life is not the same without him
Shannon Delauney
December 14, 2008
My pap... he was such a great man; he was hard working, fun to be with, loved to laugh, never complained and greatly valued us (his family). I'm thankful I have him as my pap and for all the memories and fun times I had w/him. He's defiantly one in a trillion and he will be missed by all who knew him.
I'll Love always!
Shannon
Amanda Heath
December 12, 2008
A Psalm of Life
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What the Heart of the Young Man Said to the Psalmist
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
"Life is but an empty dream!"
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act to each to-morrow
Finds us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,--act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing
Learn to labor and to wait.
-In the short time that I knew Alvin, I realized that he was a great man, he knew what was important in life, he loved unconditionally, and gave his best effort in everything that he did. He was the kind of person that makes others want to be better, more like him. I wish that he could be here with us, but I know that he will be watching over us, and for that I am thankful.
Charles Hill
December 11, 2008
I really don't know what to say but that I will miss you so so much and I will never forget you. You where not only my dad but also my best friend. I will always keep you close to my heart and you'll always be in my thoughts forever. Miss you and love you lots your son Charles.
Dorothy (Pardee) Henneman
December 2, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Alvin Chura family in the loss of your love one , Sincerely
Donna J. Runtas
December 1, 2008
Dear Lee and Kids,
My brother, Alvin, took after our Mother, Catherine. He was so loving and always smiling even after death. We were so fortunate to have the fun times with him this year. He put his heart and soul into planning your Retirement Party calling me so we could plan the best weekend so Deb and Steve could attend both your party and Angelo's Baptism with one trip. Always thoughtful! Always telling stories and jokes! Always standing by your side as your husband in all your trials in life. All who knew him loved him and will miss him.
I'll remember forever the Christmas Eves at Mom and Dad's when I was growing up and then, how the tradition continued at your home on the hill when they got too old. He was so good to me, i.e. taking and picking me up at the Barnesboro Saturday Night Fire Hall Dances. It meant so much to me. . . always my oldest "Big Brother" and role model all through my life.
Once all of us were home and at Sunday Mass, Alvin sat between me and Deb. He grins, looks at Deb, looks at me and says, "Hum, our Mom would be proud!" And now she can tell him personally how proud she was of him in all that he did! He was very spiritual in a private sort of way and trusted in his Lord.
Then there was the time we met at Ruby Tuesday's in Culpepper, VA, for Terry's surprise birthday party with no preplanning at all. We went back to our motel and played cards the rest of the night talking about how we were going to surprise Terry and telling stories, laughing til we cryed. I thank my Lord for this wonderful coincidence. These memories can never be taken away!
I truly enjoyed reading all that everyone has said about him here. This is a testimony of his life and how he is a "Legend" in our family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you forever! I love you all!
Beverly Chura
November 28, 2008
Alvin,
I may have had the privledge of being your sister-in-law for four short years, but the fun and joy I got from you is more than I could have ever imagened in a life time.
I loved it when you would come and stay with me and Bob. You would come out of the bathroom and say "I've s##t, showered, shaved and shampooed. What's for breakfast?" The laughs we had at our breakfast table was a prelude to the rest of our day together. I wish you could have come and stay with us more often.
I will never forget the great time I had with you in Hawaii.
I will really miss you.
Bobby Chura
November 27, 2008
Alvin,
I can not put into words how much I am going to miss you. You were always there for not only me but for everyone. Going back home will never be the same. You had gun raffle tickets waiting for me about every weekend from September to April and some in between. Stopping by the Firemens' Club or the Hastings Moose will feel empty without you being there. I'm so glad you called the day before you left us. We made the plan for the Bear Hunt and I gave you my spot at the apple tree. We planned on a fun time.
You were my Good Luck Charm and I'm really going to miss you! You were my comedian.
Brother, you left me too soon.
Bro. Bob
Thomas Chura
November 26, 2008
Alvin,
how do I begin,I've known him for 65years,8mos and 25 days.sometimes like a father, but mostly a brother,he did everything, for me and bobby, when we was gorwing, put my first bike together,took us swimming to straight mile and turkey shoot at double dams, ice skating,hunting bows for christmass,small game hunting,I shot my first deer with alvin by my side,we did it all and I loved every minet of it. yes he surley is missed by all of us. he's up there in the clowes,traveling the world,seeing his brother and sister,mom and dad, God bless you Alvin and keep you happy.
Elizabeth Preneveau
November 26, 2008
Pap,
You were always the funnest person to be around, and the reason I always wanted to come visit, especially when I was upset. You always knew exactly what to say to make me feel better and make my days brighter. I will miss your smile and kisses and how could I forget all of your corny jokes that somehow no matter how many times they were told they always made me laugh. The cheers you use to tell us will always be remembered; "Ra-ra-re. Kick 'em in the knee! Ra-ra-rash. Kick 'em in the ash can, tin can, who can? We can!" And I will never forget the time you let Savannah steer your truck around the lake and scared me and Katie so bad we got out and walked home. If theres one thing you've tought me it is to never take life for granted. You are my hero and now my guardian angel. I will miss you very much.
Until we meet again..
I love and miss you more everyday.
Vicki Chura/Valeria
November 23, 2008
Alvin was like a brother to me; always smiling and helpful; a wonderful role model for us all.
Debi Chura-Jones
November 23, 2008
A couple years ago I sent Alvin a St. Patty's Day card. It read "I wanted to send you something Irish" on the inside "but the stamp wouldn't stick to the potato". About a week later I received a letter in the mail. It hangs on my frig to this day. It's a little long but I'm sure you'll appreciate his humor.
Outside the fold he wrote SPELLING IS LIKE MASHED POTATOE FOR BEST RESULTS READ CAREFULLY SMELL MAY BE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH
DIRECTIONS TO GET STAMP TO STICK TO POTATO:
Remove potato from freezer (precaution to remove germs). Place potato in sauce pan with correct amount of water. Boil on high until potato is soft and mushy, carefully remove potato from pan place in large container such as a flat dish. Mash pototo blending with salt-pepper and Elmer's glue (all purpose recommended) Blend thorley. Form patty (rubber gloves required) Place patty in baggey, hang on clothes line to dry for several days check semiannually remove clothes pin and place on nose. Remove patty and check for hardness useing hammer (at least a three pounder). Preparing for shipment take large ribbon in bow shape and secure on patty moisten stamp with tongue (your owne prefered) if stamp does not stick remove one end of bow holding loose end in hand and swing vigerously over head and throw as far as possible. then place stamp on card and send.
From you know who
There are no words to define my feeling for this man, my big brother. I am so hungry for you.
Bill Suchara
November 23, 2008
Where do I begin... What words would one use to describe this man's life, who shared so much with so many and asked so little in return? I recently told him "one of the greatest blessings in my life is when I married Judy I also received the gift of meeting you". He added something special to my life, something I will cherish until it is my turn to join him. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with him and Lee over the last few years and I know this meant the world to Judy and for this I am grateful. I did not know him as long as some of the people that were a part of his life, but because of who he was I grew to love him, he was more to me than a "father-in-law", he was like a father to me and I will miss him dearly. The man never complained, enduring extreme hardships throughout his life, through it all he never lost faith because of his love for his family, we can all learn something from this love. If we have learned anything from his passing it is FAMILY is what makes life what it is and should never be taken for granted. We were looking forward to sharing more time with him, but will always be thankful for the time that we had. He has truly left good people behind and through them and because of them he will NEVER be forgotten! One thing I am sure of, wherever he may be, he is telling a joke! Whenever you are thinking of him and feeling sad, remember his laughter.
Judy Chura-Suchara
November 22, 2008
My Father, My Best Friend! Where do I begin. . . .
I love my father with all my heart, and I truly enjoyed spending time with him and Lee over the years. . .we always had fun and we would laugh and talk for hours. Bill and I and the girls looked forward to our times together, and we would always try to think of when we would get together again. I try to remember all of his jokes, but my "Alzheimers" does not allow for that.
I will always remember his giving heart, and his endurance throughout his life. I will always strive to be more like my Dad, as he was an honest sincere man, who did not want for much in his life. He enjoyed being with family,and spending time together. He always wanted the best for his children and their families, and he loved us with his whole heart--always forgiving us for our short-comings no matter how much we may have hurt him.
His blue eyes-I will always remember looking into his beautiful blue eyes that would always sparkle and I felt I could see clear to his soul through those eyes. His smile--even if he didn't feel good, I would always get a smile. The man never complained. . .He loved life and I loved him.
My friends would always say he looked like Santa or an angel. I agree--he will now be my angel and keep me safe.
I love you, Dad! I will miss you! Godspeed to your new destination. . .
Your loving daughter, Judy
Terry
November 20, 2008
My Dad
A father a friend a teacher and so much more. Thank you for making me what I am today, And always being there for me. You are the GREATEST man I will ever know.
You are my HERO!
All we have for now are the memeroies of all the good times, and good jokes and that will have to do for now. So untill we meet again remember, You will always be in my heart, and I will be missing you!
LOVE YOU
Terry
Sr. Sygne Dyda
November 20, 2008
To the Chura Family, Know you have my prayers at this time for the loss of Alvin. My Dad, Leo Dyda, was a good friend of the family, and he often spoke of Alvin.
God bless all of you with peace.
(Sr.) Sygne Dyda
Eric Johnson
November 19, 2008
Some of my best memories when I was young came from Uncle Al and Aunt Lee's house, where do I start.
It seemed like every summer I was adopted by my other parents, I would spend the summer months at the lake and had the very best of times..Four wheeling, fishing derbies, swimming, playing pool up in the garage, Uncle Al making my baseball card cabinet, Aunt Lee taking Noah and I to the mall, going to the susquahanna(?) motel for pizza, waking up in the morning to the smell of bacon and eggs and then heading out to go logging in the woods. My last summer up there Uncle Al, Aunt Lee Noah and I went out to a bar for some food and a song came on while we were shooting pool not sure who it was written by maybe Dolly Pardon but a portion of it went like this "There once was an old man walking down the street his clothes were worn and teathered with sandels on his feet" we all started to sing that song at the top of our lungs, it was a great night. Ever since that night he would quiz me everytime he saw me and ask if I still remember the lyrics. Well Uncle Al, I still remember them and always will. Just like I will always remember the good times I had with you. Aunt Lee my heart goes out to you he was a great man. Take Care and God Bless.
Love Always, Eric "Bo Derrick"
Dot Johnson
November 19, 2008
To Lee and our Beautiful Family,
There was a time in my early teens when I was really bummed with my life. Alvin YELLED at me "What's wrong with you. You are always grumpy. You're like a Pickle. A real picklepuss". I went off to my room and gave that a lot of thought. He changed my life and I've been smiling ever since.
Alvin always had a happy face. I thank you Alvin and I love you. I love all of this beautiful family.
God Bless You All
Rita Freeman & family
November 19, 2008
Dear Lee and all the kids:
I'm sorry that we were unable to come to the funeral. I have such fond memories of Alvin--his willingness to provide a helping hand and his unending wit. He came up with solutions for so many handiman dilemmas. And for those who didn't need a helping hand, he had his never ending repertoire of appropro jokes, that would lighten up the gloomiest room and energize the already cheerful crowd; his radiant smile and chuckle were infectious.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God Bless you and the family; you were so fortunate to have had Alvin as a direct part of your lives.
Robert Johnson
November 19, 2008
When I was a little boy I have the most fondest memories of Uncle Al always with the funniest clean jokes.
I laughed so hard my whole body hurt.But of course Terry would always tell me the other interpretation about old king coal who was a merry ol soul.
All those summers and winters between Ohio and Pa. exchanging the Chura and Johnson cousins. Uncle Al and my dad, they broke the mold but not before we got a piece.
When my sons and I would come to Pioneer Lake Uncle Al and Aunt Lee were the most gracious of hosts. Everyone felt at home. My son Luke said "Dad this is a kids paradise". My favorite quote from Uncle Al is "God only made a few good minds and he put hair on the rest of them".
I miss my best friend Alan.
I miss my Godmother Aunt Lena.
I miss my Uncle Al.
Noah Tobias
November 18, 2008
My Best Friend,
I was taught by you to never view problems in life as problems, but to view them as opportunities. Opportunities to make a wrong a right, and to learn from that right, grow from that right, and as I grew into the man that you helped me to become, teach the rights of my life to others that needed help with opportunities in life. For this I thank you..........I thank you for being a loving father, a leader, a mentor, a loving husband to my wonderful mother Lee, and most of all I thank you for always being my very Best Friend. Life is but a portal to another, and someday we will meet again. May god bless you my father, I love you so very much, you were the very best Dad, I will think of you always.
Bob Fisher
November 18, 2008
Terry, Lyn, and Family,
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Joyce
James Ward
November 18, 2008
To all the Chura family, we are sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless each one of you at this time and always. From Jim, Michelle, Jimmy,Thomas and Susan Ward.
Jay Koreny
November 17, 2008
Terry & Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and yours, and out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jay & Teri
Gary and Ricia Berrian
November 17, 2008
Terry and family,
We are sending our deepest sympathy at this difficult time for all of you. Please know we keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Dave Crosby
November 17, 2008
Terry, Lynn, & Family,
Your kindness that touches so many of us is a tribute to your father and his influence on your life. May you find comfort in the memories of someone so special. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bing & Renee Crosby
November 17, 2008
To All Our Cousins:
Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your beloved dad and brother, Alvin.
We will always remember and cherish the good times we shared over the years. Sorry we were unable to attend the services.
Jim & Eileen Fulton
Erie, PA
Jon White
November 17, 2008
Terry,and to all the Chura family...our thoughts and prayers are with you, may God Bless each and every one of you .. Jon,Lisa,Kurtis,Keith & Kolby
Terry Nolan
November 17, 2008
Dear Lee Ann
We were sorry to hear of Alvin's passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, we send along our best wishes to you and your family.
Roy and Jim
Roger Turgeon
November 17, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Charlie Green
November 17, 2008
Terry, Lyn and to all the Chura Family, out goes my deepest sympathy. Your Dad was great, I always enjoyed being there when he came down from PA. I will miss him.
Jim Scardino
November 17, 2008
Terry, sorry to hear about your Dad.I know how you must feel, Please give my deepest condolences to your family.
MARGARET PARDEE
November 16, 2008
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.WAS SADDEN TO HEAR AND READ ABOUT ALVIN PASSING AWAY. HE WAS A YEAR AHEAD OF ME IN SCHOOL.AS
KIDS GROWING UP WE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES.
Connie Chura
November 16, 2008
My father, my friend, my rock. It will be rough getting through the next couple of days. The biggest challenge we face is living the rest of our lives without him. We had so much fun pulling off the last family reunion. His efforts were endless to make sure every thing would be just right, especially the food! He knew so many people. When I was a teen, and out misbehaving, he knew what I was up to before I got home! His high standards and expectations for his children to excel is the driving force I will cling to as I move forward through my transition and loss. I thank, God for giving me a role model with that special touch that seperates any man fathering a child to being a real person to call dad. His love for life and kind heart will be missed by all who knew him.
He taught me many things in life and the most important is to face each day with the special ability to be patinet, learn to forgive others, and accpet his childrens mistakes in life as a lesson they must experience on their own. He was a friend to many with room in his heart for all. I will remember all the fun we had growing up He had a mind like a fox, remembering every joke he heard and couldn't wait to tell. His smile could take the chill off the coldest day. His love for life will never be forgotten and live on through his children. Thanks to all that have offered your sympathy and support to our family.
Dana Johnson
November 16, 2008
To Aunt Lee and all our cousins,
My Godfather and my uncle, Alvin, will be missed by all of us.
I still cherish the memories of spending summers with him skidding logs out of the woods driving a bulldozer. I'd sweat all day just for a cheese burger and milkshake from Ratay's. But when the summer was over, he would give me $40 for just driving a bulldozer. I was the richest kid that I knew of that really enjoyed his job. Even as a young adult, Uncle Al knew just what to say
to me to help me with personal problems. He was a lot easier to talk to than anyone else.
He always had a great big grin and a joke to tell.
Francie and I will always remember the good times we had with you and Uncle Al.
Love you all,
Dana and Francie
Bill Poniatowski
November 16, 2008
Terry, Lyn and the rest of the Chura Family our deepest regret on the loss of your Father, he obviously led a great life and is in a better place now at Peace in Heaven. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your families at this time of loss, God bless all of you. With our Deepest Regret Bill and Sandy Poniatowski
Bill and Diane Kudlawiec
November 15, 2008
Lee, we were very sad and schocked to hear about Alvin. We will always have such fond memories of the get togethers at Dad's (Debbie's) house. Especially Alvin's jokes. He had a contagious smile and he could always make you laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Chura Family. All of our love and prayers. Bill and Diane Kudlawiec
Ruth & George Skitka
November 15, 2008
We will miss a good friend .
fred & Lisa Beller
November 15, 2008
Our Condolences to the Chura Family
Stephen (Bugs) Basista
November 15, 2008
our prayers are with the Chura family our deepest sympathy
Stephen & Martha Basista
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