George A. Burich

Struthers - George A. Burich, 64, of Struthers, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack while vacationing in Sarasota, Florida. George was born May 9, 1944 in Youngstown, a son of Andrew and the late Peggy Blasko Burich. He was raised in Campbell and lived in Struthers. He was a 1962 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where he played on the 1960 Steel Valley Conference football team and he was an All Steel Valley Selection in basketball in 1962. George received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Youngstown State University in 1972. He later received his Masters Degree in Physical Education from Ashland University in 1995. George served in the United States Army with rank of Private First Class from 1966-1968 and was stationed in Germany. George was a Physical Education and Health teacher and began his teaching and coaching career at St. Mary's in Warren. From there he taught and was head coach at North, South, Chaney, and Wilson High Schools. George also was an assistant coach at Kennedy Catholic, Liberty and presently the new East High School under coach Mark Cherol. He also assisted under Bob Patton for the Youngstown Pride during the WBL years. For the past 8 years, George was teaching at St. Joseph the Provider in Campbell. Some of his coaching career highlights were as follows: Coaches Award at North High School 1976, District runner-up 1980 Class A, District Champions 1987 OHSAA, South and Wilson High School City Champs, Metro Index Outstanding Coach 1990, Liberty High School Trumbull AA League Champions, Division II Coach of the year 1993, Mahoning Valley Coaches Association Coach of the Year "South High" 1993, and District 10 Champions at Kennedy Catholic 2002 through 2005. In 2001 he achieved his "200th" career victory and celebratory plaque from the State of Ohio. As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach, he was always kind. He helped so many young people to get on the right path in life. He gave of himself; from letting one of his players live at his house, driving far out of his way to pick up or bring home players for games or practices, buying players the shoes they needed, or even talking to his players' parents about how to help keep the kids on the straight and narrow. Without a doubt, he made a difference in so many lives. George made life so easy, he had a way of just handling the moment and not sweating the details. If someone needed help, he just did it. No grumbling, no complaining, just done. He was truly a "people" person with a quick wit and great sense of humor. He loved to tease, loved to laugh, and completely enjoyed people. These are just some of the reasons why he maintained so many friends throughout his life. George loved his family, friends, teaching, coaching, basketball, and traveling. He always looked forward to spending time with his grandson; whether it was on the floor playing cars, going for walks, swimming at the YMCA, visiting his great grandfather or just running around the yard. He always had time for his grandson, Dillon, who will forever remember his grandfather, "GB." Besides his father of Struthers, George leaves his wife, the former Diana Hersman, whom he married November 6, 1970; he also leaves his daughter, Kristina Jean (Patrick) Walsh of Ravenna, OH; his grandson, Dillon; sister, Elaine (Joseph) Simione of Boardman; and brother, Stephen "Mickey" (Elaine) Burich of Struthers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday 9:15 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland and 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell with Fr. Michael Swierz officiating. Interment will follow at the Poland Riverside Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Poland. Contributions may be made to the St. Joseph the Provider School Fund. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

---