Paul J. Zurovchak

Paul J. Zurovchak, 77, of Meadville and formerly of Titusville, suffered cardiac arrest at Notre Dame on Saturday, October 4, 2014, and died at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Saturday, October 11, 2014.

He was born in Cleveland, OH, to Margaret and Paul Zurovchak, September 14, 1937.

He married Phyllis Jacko of Braddock, in 1960. She preceded him in death in 1985. Together they had seven children. In 1992 he married Barbara Collins of Linesville, and moved to Meadville.

Paul graduated from Conneaut Lake Area High School in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1959, followed by a Masters of Education degree in 1966 from Duquesne University.

He served as an officer in the U S Army from 1960 to 1962. Paul taught primarily accounting in the public school system for 32 years, with 26 of those at the Titusville High School. While in Titusville, Paul served as a member of the Titusville Education Association. There he held the offices of president, vice-president, and treasurer. He also served as treasurer of the St. Titus School Board for 12 years. As a member of St. Titus Church, he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and taught CCD and Pre-Cana classes. He served on the St. Catherine Cemetery Board and held the office of president for four years.

Mr. Z worked in the Titusville Recreation Department where he supervised the beginner t-ball program for four years. He then coached teams at the knee-hi-level as well as the teener league. For three years he coached the American Legion baseball team, and for eight years he was the coach of the junior varsity and assistant coach of the Titusville High School varsity baseball players. As a coach, Mr. Z focused on the fundamentals of the game at all levels thus winning championships along the way. Most importantly he stressed: No. 1: Having fun! and No. 2: Learning something about the game each and every day!

After moving to Meadville, Paul became a member of St. Brigid Church where he served on the transportation committee driving those in need to various appointments and to Mass. He volunteered at the fish dinners and assisted with outdoor decorating at Christmas.

Paul was an active charter member of the Conneaut Lake High School Alumni Association and served as president for 8 years. He also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers and Sisters having been awarded 'Big Brother of the Year' in 1997. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the VFW. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and most especially, 'recreational ballroom' dancing. He was known as the 'Voice of the Titusville Rockets' as he broadcasted wrestling, swimming, baseball, and softball for many years for the Titusville radio station (WTIV). He was an avid Notre Dame Football fan and enjoyed traveling to Notre Dame for several home games each year. He was also known to have a 'hug' for everyone.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Barbara, include three daughters: Dr. Janet Zurovchak and her husband, Dr. Steve Grothaus of Bellefontaine, OH; Judy Lesko and her husband Todd of Titusville; Jill Neely and her husband Kasey of Titusville; two stepdaughters: Kimberly Collins and her husband Jon Hilburger of Clarence, NY; Chelsy Collins OCarroll and her husband, Donall, of Lancaster, NY. Also surviving are four sons, James Zurovchak and his wife Susan of Holmdel, NJ; Joseph Zurovchak and his wife, Susan, of Blairstown, NJ; John and his wife, Sandra, of Worthington, OH; Jerry and his wife, Lisa, of Atlanta, GA. Papa Z was the loving grandfather to 19 grandchildren: Alyssa, Zane, and Karee Lesko; Katie, Bailey, and Kasen Neely; Mason, Devon, and Brendon Zurovchak; Lindsey and Victoria Zurovchak; Jessica and Parker Grothaus; Kristine and Kathryn Zurovchak; Kate and Jesse Zurovchak; and Avery and Ryann OCarroll. 'Jimmy' was the loving brother of three sisters: Geri Arze of Rockwall, TX; Marge Eaton of Conneaut Lake; and Jan Williams and her husband, Dick, of Conneaut Lake. They survive along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. Family and friends are also invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 on Friday, October 17, 2014, at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 383 Arch St., Meadville, with Fr. Johnathan Schmolt, Pastor, officiating.

Paul will be laid to rest in St. Catherine Cemetery, Titusville.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com