Obituary of George Zahurak

George John Zahurak Jr, 60, of Forestburgh, New York, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 24, 2011 George was born on August 17, 1950, in Dobbs Ferry, New York. He was the son of the late Anna M (Bauer) and George John Zahurak Sr. He grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York attending St. Matthew's Roman Catholic School and Hastings High School. George graduated from Long Island University with a Master of Arts in Psychology; George also achieved a Ph.D. in Philosophy with a major in Clinical Hypnotherapy from Suffield University. George began his career as a Psychologist II in October 1985 for the Central New York Psychiatric Center and then advanced to the Unit Coordinator for Mental Health at the Woodburn Correctional Facility Unit. At the time of his retirement in October 2007, George had advanced to Forensic Unit Chief at the Sullivan Satellite Unit. He also worked for ARC part-time for 28 years as an Applied Behavioral Science Specialist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. George was also consulting psychologist in various upstate NY facilities as well as an Adjunct Professor in Rockland Community College, Sullivan Community College & Mercy College. He is survived by his sister Catherine Zahurak Zuck and her husband Fred of Mystic Ct.; sister, Anna Zahurak Ravinsky and her husband Tony, of Poughkeepsie, NY; brother Robert Zahurak and his wife Susan, of Richboro, PA; and brother Joseph Zahurak and his wife Kathryn of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. George is predeceased by his loving wife Naomi and is survived by his ex-wife Dr. Karen Weiss and ex-wife Linda Loughney. George will always be remembered for quick wit and for his love of family & friends. After his mother's passing in 2004 he would be the one arriving with a large pot of stuffed cabbage for the family to enjoy. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and antique furniture. George loved gardening and playing scrabble. His numerous dogs, horses & cats were his delight. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made in George's memory either to the American Cancer Society or the Sullivan County ASPCA Animal Shelter, 104 Rock Hill Dr., Rock Hill, NY 12775. To share notes of remembrance/condolences please visit www.sinatraffh.com. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Sunday, July 31st, 3 pm to 7 pm, Hastings Funeral Home, 15 Spring Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 914-963-5263; Monday, August 1st, Mass of Christian burial at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, 616 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York followed immediately by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery.