George Kohut, born, April 18, 1923 and who died, July 12, 2017, epitomized the leading of one’s life with a positive attitude. Everyone was a friend or “an old buddy” of his and somehow when confronted with adversity, he could see good. Even WWII was a grand adventure for George who was a member of the 9th Infantry as he served both in the European and Asian theaters both during the war years as well as the occupation and rebuilding afterwards. His active career in the military spanned more than 25 years with his last assignment being part of IUP’s ROTC program. After several years as a director for the Boy Scouts of America, he returned to the military where he was both an active reservist for Indiana’s 420th Eng. Company as well as a civilian administrator for the center.
Although George’s military career was important to him, his love of his church, family and his wife Mary stood above his personal accomplishments. He is survived by two sons, George (Linda) and Andrew (Rosie). He was always excited to see and be part of his four grandchildren’s lives, Lisa Griesbach (Joe), Michael, Justin (Bethany) and Megan Johnson (Kevin). He had the opportunity to see this generation move forward with their lives, careers and families including the blessing of seven great grandchildren. One constant during his latter years of life while living in Virginia, was his eagerness to know any news from Pennsylvania – his beloved church family, his last remaining living relative of his generation, sister-in-law Sue Anderson, and any news from his former hometown of Commodore.
Please join the family in celebrating a good life on Sunday, July 16th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer where a Panachida Service will begin at 7 PM Sunday evening. His Funeral Service will begin Monday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Michaels Orthodox Greek Catholic Church, Clymer with burial services and military honors immediately afterwards at the church’s cemetery.
The family requests that any donations be made to St. Michaels. Additionally, the family wants to thank the staff of Heritage Oaks, Safe Haven, Nayar Health Care and Dr. Charles Brehmer for their loving care during the latter years of George’s life.
Online condolences may be made at: rbfh.net.
