George John Heruska, Jr.

George John Heruska, Jr., 79 of Statesville died Friday, October 18, 2024, at the NC State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, NC following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Elizabeth, NJ on October 8, 1945, to the late George J. Heruska and Phyllis Lee Heruska. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Maryanne Heruska and a brother, Joseph Heruska.

Upon graduating high school, George enlisted in the US Army where he served in Vietam, Korea, Japan, and Germany. He pitched for a baseball team while in the Army. He found out later, that while still in high school, he was being looked at by the scout for the minor league team for the Detroit Tigers. After being discharged from the Army, he worked for many years as a contractor consultant for the US Government, overseeing supplies and doing logistical work. In his spare time, he loved traveling and playing golf, especially with his grandson, Zach Paquin, whom he was very close to.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 22 years, Beverly Koszewski Heruska, siblings, Phyllis “Ginger” Heruska, Michael Heruska (Betsy), David Heruska (Georgia Gail), Ruth Heruska (Kim Clayton), Jayne Davenport (Don), a sister-in-law, Andrea Heruska, stepchildren, Bernard Young (Ling), Patricia Young, Timothy Young (Elizabeth), Kevin Young (Heather), Virginia Young (Michael), one great-grandson, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2pm-4pm Nicholson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, c/o Waldrops, 343 Oak Hill Rd., Candler, NC 28715, or to Shriners Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.