Daniel Martin Yurky, 98, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 30, 2018 at St. Andrew’s Village in Indiana. He was born on November 26, 1919 in Lakewood, Ohio to the late Joseph John Yurky and Mary Ann (Jurcaga), both immigrants from Slovakia. Daniel was the last surviving member of his family.
As a young man, Daniel grew up on the family farm in Gypsy, P.A. with his three brothers and one sister. He lost his father at a very young age, but continued to work on the farm with his family, until his others siblings were either married or serving in the military during W.W. II. Daniel then left the farm as well, to serve in a C.C. Camp for a year.
Daniel married his wife, Gladys Jane (Young) on June 14, 1952, after they met while working at H.J. Heinz Co. in Pittsburgh. Daniel will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father to their five sons and two daughters.
He wore many hats in life from that of a farmer, a coal miner, a factory worker, a construction worker, and a baker, including a machinist at Robert Shaw Controls in Indiana for 24 years, before his retirement.
Daniels hobbies were diverse. He participated on a local baseball team in his younger years. He later enjoyed listening with his sons to the Pirate games on the radio, and his favorite announcer was Bob Prince. Horse shoes was another favorite pastime. He played countless games with his sons and friends. He was so good that when keeping score, his single points weren’t counted, but the number of “ringers”. Hunting was a lifelong passion that he shared with his five sons. Turkey and deer were the main game they hunted alongside each other. Daniel harvested many turkeys in his life and hunted until the age of 82, when he harvested his last gobbler. To many fellow outdoorsmen, he was known as “Turkey Dan” because of his turkey calling skills. His favorite way to spend time was with his family, whether it was during a family function, meal, or holiday celebration. Daniel cherished his large family, and his friends were always considered to be part of the family as well.
Throughout his life, Daniel displayed a constant faith in the Lord. He was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five siblings: Joseph (Anna), Steven (Ava), an infant brother John, David (Catherine), and Agnes (John) Michney.
Daniel is survived by his seven children: Thomas Yurky (Robin), Irvona; James Yurky (Sharon), Indiana; Ralph Yurky (Dawn), Homer City; John Yurky (Peggy), Blairsville; Caroline Parrish (Raymond), Latrobe; Michael Yurky (Debbie), Homer City; and Dorothy Federinko, Homer City. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and another great-grandchild on the way. His extended family include: James Young (Louetta), Apollo; and Godson, Father Stephen Bugay, Pastor at St. Simon and Jude in Blairsville, P.A.
Friends will be received Wednesday, May 2nd from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana where the Rosary will be recited Wednesday evening at 7:45. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Thursday morning May 3rd, at 10 am. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Indiana. Interment will be made in the St. Bernard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel’s name to St. Andrews Village, 1155 Indian Springs Rd., Indiana, PA. 15701.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting rbfh.net
