Leon W. Piurkoski Jr.

Leon W. Piurkoski, Jr., 76, of Park Avenue, Ridgway, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 27, 2023, with his family by his side following a lengthy illness. 

He was born on June 15, 1947 in Ridgway, a son of the late Leon Piurkoski, Sr. and Darlene Fischer Piurkoski. 

On July 11, 1970, at St. Leo's Church, he married Christine "Chris" DeGroat Piurkoski, who survives.  Together they were blessed with more than 53 years of marriage.

Leon was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 during the Vietnam War.  He retired from Clarion Sintered Metals after 47 years of service and also worked at Elk County Foods for more than 10 years.  He was a member of the VFW.  In his free time, Leon enjoyed watching Nascar and always enjoyed Corvettes.  He loved watching western movies, his beagles, listening to western music, and gardening.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter; Michele Piurkoski; by three grandchildren; Devin (Angel) Piurkoski, Dustin (Miranda) Piurkoski, and Rodney Bump, Jr., and by six great-grandchildren; Rylee, Eli, GraceLynne, Adalynn, Makayliegh, and Asher.  He is also survived by an aunt; Vera Downey of OH, a sister-in-law; Debbie Piurkoski of Ridgway, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by a brother; Stanley "Craig" Piurkoski, and by a nephew: Eric Ford.

Funeral Services for Leon W. Piurkoski, Jr. will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street St., Ridgway, PA 15853 with Fr. Justin Pino, officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Ridgway-Johnsonburg Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held at the Krise Funeral Home on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Leo's School or to Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com