Virostek

George D. Virostek, 70, of Cranberry Township passed away peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his loving family while under the care of UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township.

He was born Feb. 22, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Detroit, Mich. He was the beloved son of the late Andrew and Veronica M. (Herchock) Virostek.

George was a devout Catholic and was an active member of the St. Ferdinand Catholic Church for many years. His kind and easy going nature allowed him to be a vital member of the youth group program. He was a pioneer at directing the Living Stations of the Cross and was a Eucharistic minister. He and his wife, Gloria, were members of a marriage encounter group for more than 21 years. They were also a presenting couple for Catholic Engaged Encounter for 12 years, as well as Pre-Cana classes, presenting couples with opportunities to enrich their marriages and their faith.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.

George was a draftsman by trade and worked for the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Co. (PDM), Pittsburgh Design Services (PDS) and the American Bridge Manufacturing Co. He was influential in the design process of the Raging Rapids water ride at Kennywood Park, Biosphere 2 science research facility in Tucson, Ariz. and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. His extreme attention to detail and unwavering patience will be remembered by those who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

With a love for the outdoors and water, George enjoyed fishing as a young boy. He taught his sons to fish, and in more recent years, he reignited his passion for fishing as he began teaching his wife and his granddaughter. His enthusiasm truly uplifted and encouraged those who joined him, especially his marriage encounter group. He enjoyed sailing and going on cruises with Gloria. He also enjoyed bicycling and water aerobics at the YMCA. George's optimism and adventurous spirit enabled him to live his life to the fullest.

In the midst of his struggles with Myasthenia Gravis and Parkinson's disease, George's strength and determination never faltered. His passion for life enabled him to give selflessly to those he loved until the very end.

Above all, George was a loving, husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend who truly treasured the time spent with his granddaughter, Leah.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his adoring wife of 22 years, Gloria O. (Klir) Virostek, who he married on April 19, 1991; his two loving sons, George A. and Anthony J. Virostek, both of West View; his two loving daughters, Victoria L. Shaw and her husband, Nate, of Harrisburg and Deborah A. Malley and her husband, Dennis, of Cranberry Township; his brother, Andrew A. Virostek and his wife, Joann, of Sterling Heights, Mich.; his nephew, Andrew Virostek and his wife, Kara; and his precious granddaughter, Leah Marie Malley.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his first wife, Tillie Virostek, and his baby girl, Deborah Ann Virostek.

VIROSTEK — The family of George D. Virostek, who passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, will welcome friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home, 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. Friends please meet at church.He will be laid to rest with military honors at Pinewood Memorial Gardens in Cranberry Township.If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his honor in support of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, Attention: Barb McCarthy.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with George's family at www.glennkildoofuneralhome.com.