Milan Samuel Gjurich

Milan Samuel Gjurich, 76, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Conemaugh Hospital in Johnstown, Pennsylvania due to trauma stemming from a fall.

Milan was born March 17, 1948 to Samuel and Mary (Orosz) Gjurich in Johnstown, the oldest of four children.

Milan graduated from Johnstown High School in 1966 and from Penn State Altoona in 1968 with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He met his bride and wife of 53 years, Sherry Lou Sheltman, on the Penn State Campus and they were later married in Milton, PA in 1970. Milan served in the U.S. National Guard from 1969-1975. He worked as a Supervisor at Penelec Mobile Maintenance until he retired in 2010.

Milan was better known as “Cook” to his friends and “Cookie” to his family, a nickname given by his grandmother due to his fondness of sweets, a love carried throughout his life. He was a frequent baking assistant, enthusiastic taste-tester, and helpful beater-cleaner. Cook always dreamt of flying military jets or going into space. He loved watching air shows, like the Blue Angels, and visiting Air and Space Museums to get close to all the planes he dreamed of flying. Cook felt the need for speed, imagining himself a race car driver, the faster the better. He fulfilled his wish of owning a Shelby Cobra in 1991 when he built one from a kit. It was his pride and joy that he enjoyed driving fast right up until his passing, thanks to warm October weather. Cook loved to develop woodworking projects and was always ready to fulfill the projects his family envisioned. He was always up for a good challenge that could stretch his mind and his creativity. No task was too complicated for him to achieve, one way or another. In the past several years, he channeled that strength into building moving wooden models from kits. Cook enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his wife and family. His favorite destination was Hawaii. Cook was always actively involved and supportive in his daughters’ lives and activities. He took pride in teaching his two grandchildren life skills and lessons. Cook had a great love of big dogs, especially Schnauzers. His dog, Risha, had been his constant shadow for the past 10 years.

Milan is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry; loving daughters, Sonya Gjurich and Milana (Corey) Bennett; grandchildren, Nathan and Logan Bennett; brothers, Nick (Linda) Gjurich, Rick (Cindy) Gjurich, and Michael (Robin) Gjurich; nephews, Alex Gjurich, and Michael and Matthew Gjurich; and nieces, Alyssa and Breanne Gjurich, Nicole and Larina Gjurich. Left behind is also his faithful furry soulmate, Risha, who will forever hold him in her heart. Cook will be missed by all those whose lives he touched and had the honor of interacting with him, his warm smile, and quick sarcastic humor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be held at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown, PA 15905  from 10:00 AM -11:30 AM on Saturday, November 16 with a Memorial Service immediately following.  Friends and family will gather afterwards to remember the wonderful life of Cook, details of which will be shared at the service or can be found at www.ducafuneralhome.com. 

In honor of Cook, snuggle with your pets a little longer. Work together on a family project and laugh at your frustrations. Eat that big piece of cake you know you shouldn’t have. Hug your loved ones hard like you won’t ever let go.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Milan Samuel Gjurich, please visit our floral store.