George Richard Holko Sr.

Warren – George Richard Holko Sr, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. He was born April 22, 1934 in Bellaire, Ohio, the son of the late George M. Holko and Anna (Baranich) Holko.

                George came to Warren in 1944. He was a 1952 graduate of Warren G Harding High School and a 1964 graduate from Youngstown University with a BSBA. George was a laborer with US Steel, McDonald, and spent 18 years with The East Ohio Gas Co in Warren. He also worked for Pyrofax Gas out of Houston, TX before starting his own business, Holko Enercon, a family owned & operated insulation and commercial roofing company, in 1977. George was active in his community as a zoning inspector with Bazetta Twp and an executive board member of the Trumbull County Democratic Party. George retired in 1998 from the family business and joined CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and the Auxiliary Police in Port Orange, FL where he and his wife lived for several years before returning to Howland.

                He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1953 and proudly served our Country as a radar operator and with Special Services during the Korean War, including two years in French Morocco, North Africa. George was honorably discharged in 1957 from Chanute AFB, Champaign County, IL where he met his wife. George spent an additional 4 years in the active reserves and his passion for the military and its veterans continued as an Honor Guard with the American Legion for the past 15 years.

                George was a long-time member of St Williams Catholic Church in Champion before joining Blessed Sacrament Church in Howland many years ago. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting and riding his Honda Gold Wings for more than 50 years. He and his wife enjoyed their many domestic motorcycle trips and traveling abroad.

                George is survived by his four children: George R (Debra) Holko Jr of Cortland, Deborah L Swindler of Girard, Vincent P (Joyce) Holko of Cortland, and Rosalie J Cicconi of Austintown; seven grandchildren: Elaina and Natalie Holko, Gregory and Andrew Swindler, Andrea, Stephanie and Miranda Holko; four great grandsons: Cohen, Gavin and Jude Swindler and Lincoln Holko-Sumerville; and his brother, Paul (Madonna) Holko of Ackworth, GA.

                George is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, the former Joanne M Crupi, whom he married May 23, 1956 and passed away December 6, 2014; and his grandson, Rodney A Van Meter, Jr.

                A private service was held. The family asks that contributions be made in George’s name to the American Legion, Post 540, 4632 Hoagland-Blackstub Rd, Cortland, OH 44410. The family also extends sincere gratitude to the staff of Homemaid Helpers, Warren, for their many years of dedicated and compassionate service.

                Caring and professional services were entrusted to the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel 1884 North Rd. NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

                Arrangements are being handled by the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd NE, Warren, OH 44483. Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to George’s family.

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