George “Gidge” Kashura, 85, of Smithton, South Huntingdon Township, passed away on Dec. 8, 2023, at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital in Carroll Township. Gidge was born on Oct. 17, 1938, in Fitz Henry, Pa., to Marie Keilback Kashura and George W. Kashura Sr. (who was the first born in the USA from Russian immigrants.) He grew up along the Youghiogheny River, never moving far from his birthplace. He was a 1957 graduate of South Huntingdon Township High School. After high school, he hitchhiked across the country on his first journey away from home. He briefly worked for a logging family in Oregon. Being homesick (and fearful his new boss was going to marry him off to his daughter), he returned home. He served on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 and continued his service in the Reserves until 1968. He continued his journeys with his cousins and good friends and many, many adventures were had. He was an avid arrowhead collector, and a ginseng, snake root, and golden seal hunter and grower. He loved hunting and fishing and traveled every fall to Utah to hunt mule deer and fish for native trout. He was known for his work on antique vehicles and woodworking skills. He gave his three children each an antique Mustang to drive at 16. He made many beautiful items of furniture and birdhouses for family and friends. Gidge worked 25 years at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel mill in Monessen until retiring and starting the Kashura Auto Body Business for several years with his son, Craig. Gidge was a loving husband and father. Surviving are his three children, Candance Richmond of Warren, Ohio, and husband Donnie, Craig Kashura of Hermine and wife Joannie, and his “Baby,” Rachel Manetta of Ruffs Dale with loving partner of 17 years, William A. Janes Sr. He is also survived by a brother and sister, Dave Kashura of Star Junction and Janice Bashioum of Fitz Henry. His seven grandchildren are Matthew Tyler Pudlowski, Emily Pudlowski, Neil Kashura, Nellie Kashura, Joseph Manetta, Jacob Manetta and Talia Manetta. He was preceded in death, by only 139 days, by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Jane Bankston Kashura. Also preceding him in death were his father, George Wasily Kashura Sr.; mother, Marie Keilback Kashura; and his brother, John “Doc” Kashura. The family is inviting everyone to the Turkeytown Fire Hall in West Newton from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2023, for a memorial for Dad. We will serve dinner, listen to some of his favorite oldies music and look over old photos reminiscing about him. Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, www.fergusonfunerals.com. Love lasts forever!
