Charles J. Gorske, 89, of 564 Kerner Avenue, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening, October 26, 2013, at the Elk Regional Health Center.
He was born May 19, 1924 in Erie, PA, son of the late Rudolph and Rose Bartholemis Gorske. He was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1942, where he played football for the Rams. He was a former employee of Leashore Calgift Advertising and was a retired employee of Keller Oil Company.
On August 14, 1948 in the Sacred Heart Church, he married Marthadel Robacker who preceded him in death on November 3, 1992. On July 19, 1996 in the Sacred Heart Church, he married Carol Leuschel, who survives.
He is survived by a daughter, Hope Georgino of Murrells Inlet, SC; a son, James J. Gorske and his wife Louisa of Holden, MA; five grandchildren, Ian Gorske, Taylor Gorske, Sofie Georgino, Charlie Gorske, and Gabriel Gorske.
Besides his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, August and Sophia Gorske of Johnsonburg, who raised him because of his parents’ early deaths; and by brothers and sisters.
Mr. Gorske was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, a Veteran of WWII, enlisting in the Navy as a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class, and was a Rescue and Recovery Diver for downed pilots whose planes were shot down in the Pacific. He served on the USS Hickox DD673 and was honorably discharged with several medals and commendations. He enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing it with his friends. He also enjoyed woodworking, going to camp, and his dogs. He especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren. Mr. Gorske also played semi-professional football for the Johnsonburg Shamrock’s.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Eric Vogt, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday evening, October 28, 2013, from 6:00 till 8:00 PM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 325 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.