Thomas J. Yurick

September 13, 2024

    • Obituary
      Thomas J. Yurick, 77, of West Hazleton, passed away September 13th in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton with his wife at his side.
       
      Born in Hazleton on December 31, 1946, he was the son of the late John and Permilla Yurick and was a graduate of West Hazleton High School Class of 1964.
       
      After graduation, Tom attended Penn State High Acres and received an Associate Degree in Chemistry in 1966 and then got a job at Corning Glass Works.  Inspired by the work there, he went back to Penn State and obtained a B.S. in Ceramic Science in 1970.
       
      Tom was also an Air Force Veteran stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford MA and received an honorable discharge at the end of the Vietnam War in 1973.
       
      Using the GI Bill, he went back to Penn State and earned an M.S. in Solid State Science in 1979.  His many projects took him all over the country.  Two most notable ones were under contract with NASA for a project on the first two Space Shuttles and with Matthey Bishop Inc on the first catalytic converter for Ford.  No matter if his goal was getting a degree or solving some problem, he always approached it with tenacity and perseverance.
       
      Tom enjoyed nature, wildlife, the beach, and hiking, biking, and fly fishing with his son on the Lehigh.
       
      Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents were his brothers Jack and Jerry.
       
      Surviving are his wife Frances (Timko) Yurick and son Dr. Thomas J. Yurick Jr. of Escondido, CA.  Also surviving are grandsons T.J., Reece, and Heath.
       
      Burial took place on Friday September 20th with a private graveside service officiated by Deacon Robert Roman at Calvary Cemetery, Drums. 
       
      Melissa Moran of The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton assisted the family with arrangements.
    • Guestbook
      Nora & Mike Saleeba & Family
      Fran , Tom Jr. &family,  So sorry for your loss.  Hold onto the memories of the good times, to help you get through the days. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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