Obituary of Henry A. Kurkoski

Henry A. Kurkoski Sr. (1919 - 2011) Endwell: Henry A. Kurkoski Sr., 91, entered into eternal life on Friday, September 23rd after a short illness. He was born on November 10, 1919 in Luzerne Mines, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Amelia and brothers, Stanley, Edward, John, Joseph and sister, Wanda Fakelman. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Vera; son, Henry Jr. and wife Gerry of Endicott; daughter, Susan Warren and husband David of Chenango Bridge; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Kurkoski of Binghamton, Jonathan Kurkoski and wife Susan of Greensboro, NC, Sheeva Vaziri of Newport Beach, CA; and great-grandchildren, Lydia, Bryce, Nathan and Greta; and many nieces and nephews. Hank was a decorated combat veteran of WWII serving with the 23rd Regimental Weapons Company of the Fourth Marine Division. He participated in the initial invasions of four Japanese held Pacific Islands: Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima where "uncommon valor was a common virtue". He operated the Coffee Pot Restaurant with his wife on Endicott's north side for 25 years. He was also a retired member of Local 7 laborer's union, the American Legion and the Marine Corps League of Broome County. He also played baseball in the Virginia and Carolina leagues for the Philadelphia Athletics organization in the pre-WWII years. The family would like to thank the dedicated staffs of the Susquehanna Nursing Home, especially Dee, and the Binghamton VA clinic, especially Bonnie. The family will receive friends at the Coleman and Daniels Funeral, 300 E. Main St., Endicott on Monday, September 26th from 4-7pm. Funeral services will begin at 9:15 am on Tuesday, September 27th at the funeral home followed by a mass of Christian Burial at St. Casimir's Catholic Church, 212 N. McKinley Ave., Endicott at 10 am. Interment with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery Johnson City. Eternal rest grant unto your servant Henry, O Lord.