George J. Pursiano's Obituary
George J. Pursiano, 94, continued his journey on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, departing this physical world with family and faith by his side. Born on February 10, 1924 in Frankfort, NY to the late James and Mary Pursiano, George was proud of his hometown. He served honorably with the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion in WWII, most notably in North Africa, Normandy, and at the Battle of the Bulge. George was a graduate of Utica College and received his Master’s in Education from Syracuse University. For almost 40 years he was an educator in the Syracuse area, primarily with Henninger High School as both a teacher and vice principal, where he was fondly called “Purs” until his retirement in 1988. George is remembered by his students for his tough love and fairness. That same love served as an anchor for his family, that were his world. His larger than life personality, sense of humor, taste in the finer things, class, and massive heart are truly irreplaceable. We will miss his jokes, his bouts of uncontrollable laughter, his sauce, and warm embrace. George was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Cross Church where he enjoyed ushering for many years, as well as a longtime member of the Cavalry Club where he loved to golf, play cards, and dine.
His family thanks St. Joseph’s Hospital for the kindness, compassion, and love they showed George in his final days.
George is predeceased by his sister, Nellie Pursiano, of Frankfort, NY.
He is survived by his loving wife and rock of 59 years, Theresa (Puglisi); daughter, Patricia Martin (Michael), who was his everything; granddaughter, Alexandra, who lit up his world; cousin, Phyllis Conigilaro (Paul); sister-in-law, Rosemary Polimeni; nieces, Maria Rautins (Robert) & Dana St. Jacques (Norman); grand-nephews/niece, Michael, Andy, Jay, & Sam Rautins and Nicholas & Sophia St. Jacques.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of George’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt, NY. Entombment will follow in the family mausoleum at St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 14, 2018 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Donations may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.
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