PD Obituaries

November 15, 2009

George Legezdh

November 8, 2009

George Legezdh, a lifelong resident of Dupont, died November 8, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 28, 1927, a son of the late Frank and Mary Coma Legezdh. He was devoted to his family, his church, his country and his hometown. When his brother Frank was killed during active duty in World War II, he left Dupont High School to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Indian Island. He was honorably discharged in 1946, and returned to Dupont to play for the Coal Crackers as quarterback and to earn his high school diploma. He married Helen Hricenak in 1950. He later worked for the Yatesville Bus Company as a driver/mechanic. He retired from the Pennsylvania State Police as a mechanic. He proudly served Dupont as Chief of Police and councilman. He was Dupont mayor for 16 years. Included in his many duties as mayor, he was proud to perform matrimonial ceremonies. He administered marriage vows for his granddaughter, Gretchen Faust, to Greg Smith on August 8, 1998, and for his grandson, Preston Faust, to Jennifer Fetch on August 14, 2004. He was a life member of AMVETS, Post No. 189, Dupont, where he served as commander, adjutant and finance officer; life member of VFW Post No. 4909, Dupont; life member of American Legion Post No. 657, Dupont; life member and past treasurer of Northeast Pennsylvania Police Chiefs Association. He was named to the Hall of Fame at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, received the Legion of Honor awarded by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, and was named 2005 AMVET of the Year by Pennsylvania American Veterans. He was active in organizing various events, ceremonies, parades and activities benefiting the veterans of his community. He led an AMVETS group designated as "Honor Guard" and provided military honors at hundreds of veterans’ funerals throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge, where he served as an usher. He was the ultimate, "Mr. Fix It," and never refused to lend a helping hand to all in need.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his wife of 59 years, in July 2009; and brothers, Frank and John Legezdh.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Faust and husband, Ronald, West Pittston; son, George Legezdh, Jr. and wife, Cindy, Shillington; grandchildren, Gretchen Smith and husband, Greg, West Pittston; Preston Faust and wife, Jennifer, Kingston, NY; great-granddaughter, Ava Smith; sister, Mary Legezdh Vargo and husband, Paul, Suscon; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services with military honors were held Nov. 12 from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge. Interment St. Michael’s Byzantine Cemetery, Pittston.

Memorial donations may be sent to Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 140 Church Street, Old Forge, 18518. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com

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