George Garan

George Garan, 95, a lifelong Weirton resident passed away peacefully at Valley Hospice on Monday, May 27, 2024.
George was born September 28, 1928, the youngest son of the late John Sr. and Martha (Goban) Garan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Yaskho Garan and his siblings Ann (Nick) Gerbo, Bill (Margaret) Pasternick, Michael, Helen (Mike) Vincej, Joseph (Margaret), John (Martha) and Mary (Mario) Perozich.
His memory will be cherished by his daughters, Maureen (Jack) Dumbaugh of Pittsburgh, Cathleen (Michael) Mankosa of Erie and Janet (Scott) Winwood of Weirton. He was a proud Jedo to grandchildren Mari Dumbaugh, Julie (Steve) Romanin, Kristen Mankosa (Jonathan), Michael (Kim) Mankosa, Nicholas Mankosa (Gabriella), Michelle Winwood (Andrew), Eric Winwood and great-grandchildren Charlotte and William Romanin and Wesley George Mankosa. Also survived by in-laws Olga Garan, Mary Wheeler, Nick Yashko and Ed Rice and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
George graduated from Weir High in 1946 and was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball under legendary coach Carl Hamill. Though he was unable to attend, his 1946 classmates recently celebrated their 78th reunion at Williams Golf and Country Club where they also held their senior prom. Along with his older brothers, he was a member of the famous Dragon's AC and ISU softball teams that garnered a following and entertained the valley residents for years.
George served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea and Sendai, Japan.
After the war he returned to Weirton and began a 42-year career at Weirton Steel in the Tin Mill
Department. There he met the love of his life, Dorothy Yashko, who was employed as a tin flopper. They were married on May 21, 1955, and were together until her death in February 2020.
During their 64-year marriage, George and Dorothy enjoyed traveling and spent most of their retirement years wintering in Tucson, AZ, and Panama City, FL. They also loved taking a weekly trip to Sugarcreek, OH, for lunch and Amish bakery goods.
When the Weir High Football team celebrated its 100-year anniversary in September 2023. George was honored as the oldest living member of any team. It was quite a thrill for him to step onto the beautiful astroturf field at Jimmy Carey Stadium after playing at the old gridiron behind the sheet mill.
George was a faithful and active member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church. His father passed away when he was only five years old leaving his mother a widow with eight children. He loved to share the story of asking her how she was able to move forward with her life at that time and she replied, "my God and my Church". During the church's Lenten pirohi sale, if you received more than a baker's dozen, chances are George filled your order. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion.
Funeral arrangements are being made by Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, May 30, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with Parastas services at 7:30 pm. The funeral will be held Friday, May 31 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 3116 Elm St., Weirton, with Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Symyon officiating.
Interment will follow at Saint Paul's Cemetery in Weirton.
The family would like to thank Valley Hospice for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make memorial donations to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church Building Fund, 3116 Elm St., Weirton WV 26062 or Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150 Rayland, OH 43943.
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com