George A. Soukup

On Friday November 4th, George Soukup, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, gently transitioned to join his wife on their next adventure. His children were blessed and privileged to have been with him through the last quiet days - nothing was left unsaid or undone, and with George’s usual humor and grace, there were smiles despite the tears.  Born July 30, 1940 to George Sr. and Mary Soukup, George attended Penn Trafford High School and apprenticed with a local handyman, learning electrical, plumbing, brickwork and more. He spent summers using his skills on the family home and farm. He served with the US Army, earning a Sharpshooter qualification, and afterwards attended Robert Morris College, majoring in accounting and obtaining his CPA. With this, he became an auditing accountant for both Federal and State governments, traveling the world and every corner of Pennsylvania. He retired from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in 2000.  
Throughout his life and travels, George met and befriended people wherever he went. With humor, quiet humility and a genuine interest in others, he loved nothing more than a good story from a ‘local expert’, preferably over some good food and beer at a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall tavern. He almost reached his goal of visiting all 50 states. He also knew every inch of Pennsylvania and was a most excellent tour guide and travel companion. He loved the State parks, lakes, and forests especially - their history, the people who lived and worked there, and the many memories he had from a lifetime of fishing, working, and ‘camps’. George’s stories and trivia details were a constant source of delight (and eyerolling, depending on the details!) to his family. Even after 50 years, he hadn’t told them all, and his boundless curiosity and enjoyment of other people meant new ones were created every week. George lived the truth that everyone has a story if you listen and pay attention. He saw the good in everyone, and brought out the best in most.  From 1966 on, George’s life was tied to the other half of his heart, his wife Lynn. He met her by chance, while visiting Washington D.C. on a weekend road trip. They knew by first impressions then that it was something special. With a deep commitment and love for each other, they built an amazing life of service, faith and family - they lived the example of everything possible with God and hard work. They both dedicated many years of volunteer work through their church (Sacred Heart, Jeannette) and community. They balanced each other’s strengths and weaknesses, working as one, raising their children to be independent, resourceful, and to care for each other. As a father, George was an ever-present sounding board, celebrating every success and consoling every setback. He was the understanding ear on the other end of the phone, the quiet pat on the shoulder, the extra $20 slipped in a pocket, the new AAA membership that showed up in the mail, the clipped cartoons or news article stuck in a card with his post-it note ‘love Dad’ on top - always there, never overbearing or opinionated. George loved enough to let everyone make their own decisions, even when it meant sleepless nights of worry or being there to help sort through a mistake.  Layered on top of George’s keen intelligence and faithfulness was a bone-deep sense of humor and appreciation for the absurd. The practical jokes and mischief were never-ending, made all the more funny by his innocent looks and legendary ability to keep a straight face. He sent jokes by mail, email, UPS, and electronic devices. He loved a good gag gift - opening packages was always done cautiously. His antics will be missed - being a part of George’s life was being a part of something special and fun.  George is survived by his sister, Myra Soukup of Washington, PA; his children, Joel Soukup and wife Lynne of Westborough, MA; Karen Torta and husband Joseph of Harrisburg, PA, Laura Soukup of Pittsburgh, PA; granddaughters Abigail and Audrey Soukup; Natalie, Elaina, Gillian and Valerie Torta. He also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews and cousins he remained close with all his life, dozens of friends, the Sacred Heart Church community, as well as the best extended family and caring neighbors he could ever ask for.  He joins his wife Magdalene (Lynn), who predeceased him in March of this year - though the year has been one of loss for the family, there is a deep comfort in knowing they’re both together again.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to AHN Healthcare@Home Care Team, especially Elise, Taylor, Bre and Frank for their compassionate and kind support over the years.  Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9th 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Mason-Gelder Funeral Home, 201 N. First St. Jeannette PA.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 10th at Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette PA.  Interment with military rites will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.  To send online condolences visit www.mason-gelder.com

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