John Yurina

John Yurina, 91, a longtime resident of Pompano Beach, died Friday, December 9. Born January 4, 1931 and raised in Yonkers, New York, by parents John and Mary Hvizd Yurina, he graduated from Gorton High School in 1949 and Iona College in 1954. In addition to his studies, he played the guitar professionally in a three-piece band through college. Commissioned as Ensign in the United States Navy upon completion of Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island in 1954, he served aboard the USS Aldebaran in the Mediterranean during the Korean conflict. John was admired by his Shipmates, who presented him numerous handcrafted Navy keepsakes of appreciation along with civilian employment leads upon his departure.

While still a college student, he met the love of his life, the former June Taxter, marrying in November 1953. Upon leaving active duty in the Navy, he returned to Yonkers and his old job at Cantor's Drug Store while pursuing a full-time career in business with Chester Packaging and then Plastiline, Inc. In 1960 Plastiline relocated to Pompano Beach where John and June have made their home for more than 60 years.

His career in the fledgling plastics industry as a salesman, executive vice president, and later, a sales rep and plastics manufacturing equipment broker, took him all over the world.

He would continue to travel extensively into his 80's with friends and family, eager to see new places and revisiting favorites. At home, he was a hard-working perfectionist in the garden and around the house, as well as always being available to neighbors who needed help with their projects. He enjoyed photography, ice cream, and tinkering with his classic 1965 red Mustang.

As a father, he taught his children by example to complete whatever they started and the value of a job well-done, no matter how small. He was dedicated to his family right to the end, always asking if there was anything he could do for them. As a husband, he was great fun, ready to find the next adventure, meeting the world with a smile and a little salsa dancing. And as a deeply religious man, he looked forward to the promise of going home to the Lord.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years, June, two daughters, June Scott and her husband, Patrick and their son Austin of Ft. Lauderdale, Ann Yurina of Annapolis, Maryland, son Michael and his wife, Jennifer and their daughter Katherine of Springfield, Virginia, his sister, Ann Yurina Kachmar of Yonkers, and two nieces and three grand-nieces. He was preceded in death by grandson Christopher Yurina.

Arrangements in mid-January through Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Memorial contributions to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (ssvpusa.org).