George A. Strish Jr.

ASHLEY— George A. Strish, Jr., 81, a lifetime resident of Ashley, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

The eldest child of the late George A. Sr. and Anna M (Kraynak) Strish, he was born in Kingston, Pa. on Dec. 27, 1941.

George was a member of the graduating class of 1959 of St. Leo's High School, Ashley, and also a member of the St. Leo's 1958 State Champion basketball team.

He went on to pursue his lifelong ambition of following in his parents' footsteps and became a licensed funeral director in 1963, graduating from Eckel's College of Mortuary Science, Philadelphia, and was affiliated with his parents in the family business. He was a funeral director for over 60 years. He also attained his BA degree in sociology from King's College in 1972. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from June 1967 to March 1972. Together with his sister, Deborah, and sons, George III and Eric, they continued the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home legacy. George was devoted to his profession and dedicated his life to helping people in their time of need.

His parents raised him to be the best son, husband, father, brother and gentleman. He surpassed all their expectations. George was a soft-spoken person, with a gentle soul and a generous heart. He often used his sharp sense of humor to make the people around him laugh.

He was a member of St. Leo the Great Parish, Ashley, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and participated in many of the church's activities.

He was also a member of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association, where he served as president from 2005–2010, a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, a former member of the Ashley Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, St. Dymphana Council #12814, Sugar Notch, where he served as secretary.

He was a member of the National Slovak Society and named Fraternalist of the Year in 2006. He was an antique car collector and enthusiast. George was a gifted vocalist and in his younger years sang at many weddings of friends, funerals and events. He will long be remembered for his kind and loving ways and devotion to his profession.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife of 51 years, Rose Mary (Krupa) Strish, 2020; brothers: Robert J. Strish, 1956; and Norman J. Strish, in 2007.

Surviving are sons: George A. Strish, III and his wife, Carlee, Mountain Top; Kenneth J. Strish and his wife, Ellen Brennan, Berwick; and Eric R. Strish, and his wife, Amanda, Mountain Top; eight grandchildren: Maria Rose, George IV, Anthony, Donato, Noah, Samuel, Eric Paul and Luke Strish; sister, Deborah Strish Katra and her husband, Jeff, Hunlock Creek. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 9:30 a.m. from the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. from St. Leo the Great Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley, with Rev. Vincent Dang officiating.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.

The members of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association will assemble at 7 p.m. for a necrology service for their past president.

George's family wants to send their heartfelt thanks and admiration to the wonderful angels: Nancy, Vanessa and Cheryl, for the kind and compassionate care they gave him over the last few years. Your time and your talent helped him through some difficult days. It will never be forgotten by us and we are forever grateful for your friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the St. Leo the Great Parish Food Pantry, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley, PA 18706.