George J. Stasko 1940-2021

George was born Jan. 2, 1940, in Youngstown, a son of the late Joseph and Johanna Novotny Stasko. He was raised in Jednota Home in Middletown, Pa., until the eighth grade and afterward attended Benedictine High School in Cleveland for two years. He then transferred to Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown for the last two years of his education, graduating in 1957.

In his youth, he worked at a resort dude ranch in upstate New York, where he became a horseshoer. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany until his discharge in 1965.

He continued his horseshoeing trade and was certified by the California Institute of Technology, practicing his trade at racetracks in Popano Beach, Fla., the Meadows in Washington, Pa., and Hazel Park, Mich.

Upon retirement, he moved to The Villages in Florida and was a semi-retired driver of a transportation bus. In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling on the riverboat cruises of Europe, which enhanced his interest in European history.

George leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, April and Alison Kovach; his three grandsons, Lars and Lance Byo, and Gabriel Kovach; his aunt, Dorothy Rock; as well as numerous cousins.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Zimomra and Rose Stasko.

Calling will be held 9:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Our Lady of Sorrows at St. Matthias Church, followed immediately by a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

He will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.

George’s family entrusted his care to the Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home. Visit www.waskofamily.com to send the family condolences.

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