George Coholich Sr.

George Coholich, age 99, of Shaler Township, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, September 17, 2023. George was preceded in death in 2021 by his beloved wife Kay (Katherine). They were happily married for 74 glorious years. Loving father of six children, George (Linda) Coholich, Fran (Loie) Coholich, Tom (Angie Panza) Coholich, Mike (Suzanne Fontaine) Coholich, Diane (Pete) Oberthaler, and Carolyn (Bill) McQuaide. Dearest grandfather of 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe and his sister Theresa Rex. Survived by his brothers Bernie and Ed, and many nieces and nephews. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, stationed in the Philippines, honorably discharged in 1946 with various medals. He was always very proud of his flight training where he learned to fly a Piper Cub before the program was discontinued. At a young age he worked at his father’s market in Etna and was excited when he was promoted to delivery boy in their GMC Suburban. George was a school bus driver, steel hauler, gas station owner and a 38 year employee of the H.J. Heinz company as a forklift mechanic before his retirement in 1986. As a long-standing member of All Saints Church in Etna, he enjoyed his time as an usher, altar server, and member of the Men’s club. He and Kay loved line dancing, working in the yard, puzzles, vacationing and spending time with their large family. George was very handy, and could fix or repair just about anything, including the many beer can airplanes he built from scratch. Since Kay’s passing, George loved spending time building intricate Lego models. Family and friends will greatly miss his humble nature, his sense of humor. Family and friends are welcome at BOCK FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw on Wednesday, September 20, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew Parish, All Saints Church in Etna on Thursday, September 21, at 10:00 AM. Interment at St. Mary of Assumption Cemetery, Glenshaw, PA, immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Family Hospice Canterbury Place, or a charity of your choice.