MECCA - George F. Kubina, 88, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle of lung disease at the Louis B. Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland.
He was born June 6, 1924, in Johnstown, Pa., the son of the late Joseph and Catherine Malloy Kubina.
He was the class president of Lordstown High School class of 1942, and graduated from the Communication School at the University of Wisconsin for the Navy.
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Kubina
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during World War II as a radio man on the USS Curtis in the Pacific.
While serving in the Navy, he spent time at the Brecksville VA Hospital for treatment. While rehabilitating there, he met the love of his life and married her, the former Jeanne Cameron, in 1947. Jeanne was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and also was receiving therapy from lung diseases contracted from the war.
After being released from the hospital, they moved to Mecca and George began working as the manager at Tri Cash and Carry Lumber Co. with Gib Dennman. He eventually retired from Busy Beaver Lumber.
He loved watching the wildlife in his backyard - including feeding the birds - hunting, cooking and was known for his produce gardens and his specialty lilies. At one time, he held the title of catching the largest-known walleye in Mosquito Lake. He also enjoyed watching his daughters ride their horses. He and his wife enjoyed entertaining their family and friends with clam bakes and barbecues on the lake.
George was an avid fan, since the age of 10, of the Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame Football, and of St. Patrick's Day. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and play sports. He spent every Saturday morning with his friend Rod Rowe drinking coffee and solving the world's problems while considering themselves the ''Mayors of Mecca''
He was a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish and Cortland Moose Lodge 1012 and was a founding member of the former M.I. Stock Club of Mecca
George will be greatly missed by his daughters, Kimberly (John ) Cickelli Jr. of Warren and Jillaine Kubina and granddaughter Kelsy Murray of Mecca, with whom he resided; grandchildren, Brittany Anderson, Lisa Cickelli and Gina Perry; great-grandchildren, Mariah Morse and John Perry; brother, the Rev. Eugene H. Kubina, T.O.R., of Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law Betty Kubina of California.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanne, on Dec. 4, 1983; a grandson, John Cickelli III; and a brother, John J. Kubina.
George was very kind and loved by many. He would always have a smile and greet you with a "Hello, Lass'' or ''Lad,'' and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. "No one will ever be able to fill the void that his passing has left in all our hearts."
According to his wishes, George's body has been donated to the Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine to help further research. A private family memorial service has been held.
Material contributions may be made in George's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or online at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621.
Visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
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