Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael James Jurnak

1927 - 2021

Michael James Jurnak obituary, 1927-2021, Taylor, PA

FUNERAL HOME

Semian Funeral Home

704 Union St

Taylor, Pennsylvania

Michael Jurnak Obituary

Michael James Jurnak "Uncle Mike," 94, was peacefully greeted by the Lord Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Taylor, he was the son of the late James and Eva Ruscin Jurnak. After his graduation from Taylor High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the time of World War II. After his discharge from the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in social work from the University of Scranton and Millersville University.

Michael was a devout Catholic. As a young boy, he was an altar server at daily Mass and was in the choir at St. John's Church, Taylor; as an adult, he was president of the choir, organized church dances weekly, was active in fundraising at the church and proclaimed God's Word, serving as a lector.

Michael enjoyed an extensive career in public administration. He was the director of the Public Assistance Program of the United Services Agency, encompassing Luzerne and Wyoming counties, supervising public assistance programs such as the Bureau of Children Services and the Offices of Aging, Mental Health and Transportation. For the next 15 years, he was the executive director for the Department of Public Welfare, responsible for the overall operation of the Luzerne County Assistance Office. Michael was also president of the Pennsylvania Association of Executive Directors and president for the Northeastern Pennsylvania International Personnel Management Association.

Michael loved travel, both professionally and personally. Michael worked as a volunteer executive in Poland, where he provided recommendations to the social welfare department for a region with the highest unemployment rates. He attended conferences in Warsaw, Poland, which allowed him to visit the Auschwitz concentration camps and the Warsaw ghetto, and he resided in a twelfth century castle. He also attended conferences in Russia in The Moscow Kremlin. He traveled on the Trans-Siberian Railroad to St. Petersburg. He went fishing on the Volga River, and he hunted bear in the mountains of Eastern Russia.

Upon retirement, Michael was a consultant to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and was responsible for the operation of service centers when there was a natural disaster declared, including varied locations across the U.S. as well as in Puerto Rico and Samoa.

Michael was fluent in Slovak. He loved to talk about history, politics and religion. He took diligent care of his health and he valued family, who will immensely miss him.

Surviving are his sister, Dorothy Nestor, 90; as well as nine nieces and nephews, Nancy Meredick and husband, John, Taylor; John Gary Nestor, Dushore; James Sopko, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; Christine Kochan and husband, Ron, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; Richard Sopko and wife, Sue, Clarks Summit; Diane Franklin and husband, Terry, Gouldsboro; George Jurnak, Old Forge; Mary Louise and husband, Joe, Old Forge; Jack Solanik and wife, Linda, Denver, Colo.; and the late Marie Thorne, Baltimore, Md.; as well as 26 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Solanik; Joseph, John and George Jurnak; and Katherine Sopko. He was also preceded in death by his long-time, beloved friend, "Rocco" James Juliano.

Special thanks to his sister, Dorothy, who cared for Michael for the past six years, and special thanks to Glenmaura Senior Living, which he loved and to which he wanted to return. Special thanks also to Sacred Heart Hospice for your loving care in Michael's final days. Most special thanks to Linwood Rehab staff, nursing staff and especially the exceptional social worker, Sharon Cullen, for showing Uncle Mike comfort, respect and love.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mike's funeral, which will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at noon in Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, by the Rev. Francis L. Pauselli. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Taylor. Friends may call from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Please visit www.semiancares.com to share memories or extend condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citizens Voice from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jurnak

Sponsored by Semian Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Bob & Janet Lomeo

December 15, 2021

We wish to extend our sincere sympathies to the family of "Uncle Mike". He will be truly missed and will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Jurnak's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Jurnak

Dec

17

Calling hours

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Semian Funeral Home

704 Union St, Taylor, PA 18517

Dec

17

Funeral

11:30 a.m.

Semian Funeral Home

704 Union St, Taylor, PA 18517

Dec

17

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 p.m.

Divine Mercy Parish

312 Davis St, Scranton, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Semian Funeral Home

704 Union St, Taylor, PA 18517

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Jurnak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more