george kucan
George Joseph Kucan passed away peacefully on November 13, 2020, at Valley Hospice in Steubenville, OH. Our dad was one of those described by Tom Brokaw as members of the Greatest Generation. Those in the WWII generation “stayed true to their values of personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith.” Born October 27, 1922, Dad was the son of Stephen and Anna (Duda) Kucan of Weirton, WV, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia. Dad was very proud of his Slovak heritage and his Catholic faith. He entered the seminary of the Servants of Mary in Chicago, IL, after eighth grade but returned to Weirton and graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central. Dad served in the United States Army during WWII and came home to Weirton, WV, to marry Virginia Grapa on January 24, 1948. Dad was a romantic and wrote poems for her throughout their 72 years of marriage. Dad worked for Weirton Steel for 40 years and was a member of the Blue Ribbon Crew on the pit crane. He never turned down the opportunity to work a double and retired in 1981. Dad and Mom have four daughters: Linda Kucan of Pittsburgh, PA; Kathryn (Justus) McCaskey (deceased) of Weirton, WV; Debbie (Rick) Witkowski of Weirton, WV; and Kimberly (Winn) Van Brimer of Maumelle, AR. They have ten grandchildren and great grandchildren: Danielle (Johnny) Peterson and their children Reagan and Jack (deceased) of Maumelle, AR; Daniel (Audrey) Riddle and their sons Dylan and James of Louisville, TN; Hannah Van Brimer of Maumelle, AR; Joseph (Jessica) Porter of Bloomingdale, OH, and his children Jordan and Tyler of Wheeling, WV. Dad had a brother Stephen, who predeceased him. He had an older brother, John (Irene) of Weirton, WV (deceased) and was uncle to their children Bonniegail (William) Coleman of Colorado Springs, CO; and Ricky John of Colorado Springs, CO (deceased). He had a sister Margaret (Edward) Olexick of Weirton, WV (deceased) and was uncle to their son Mark (Donna) Olexick of Weirton, WV. On Mom’s side, he was a loving son-in-law to Paul and Efrosina Grapa (deceased) of Weirton, WV. He was uncle to the children of Mom’s sisters Lee Brady of Weirton, WV (deceased), and Helen Phillips of Dearborn, MI (deceased). Aunt Lee’s children include Jeff (Cyndie) Brady (deceased) of Weirton, WV, and Cindy (Dominic) Gaudio, of Port St. Lucie, FL. Aunt Helen’s children include James of Riverside, CA; Douglas of Henderson, NV; and Kenneth (Liz) of Dearborn, MI. Dad was a member of St. Paul Church in Weirton and will be remembered by the group of faithful who attended daily Mass together for many years. He will also be remembered by his friends in Three Score and AARP who enjoyed many trips together from Mexico to Canada. We’re grateful for all the memories of family gatherings at 1413 Overlook Drive, where Mom and Dad lived for 67 years, before moving to the Villa Royale in Steubenville, OH, in June 2020. Dad really was one of a kind. He will be remembered for his wit and his jokes and his stories. But most of all, he will be remembered for his steadfast faith in God and country, and for his generosity and enduring love for his family. Private services will be held at St. Paul Cemetery with Father Larry Dorsch officiating. Sympathy cards can be sent to Mrs. Virginia Kucan at Villa Royale, 1852 Sinclair Avenue, Steubenville, OH. Donations in honor of George Kucan can be made to St. Paul Church, Weirton, WV. We ask that no flowers be sent. We want to thank the nurses and staff of Villa Royale and Valley Hospice for their compassionate care of our father. www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219

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Guestbook

  1. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man. I have wonderful memories of your entire family. God Bless all of you in this difficult time. Love, Madeline Phillips

  2. Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.LEGACY OF UNCLE GEORGE, HEART AND SOUL. He showed both by example, his soul always at the forefront. He led his family and his community by example. He was a patriot. God granted him a long life so that he could influence so many. Rest in peace – as I am sure you will. Much love, Bonniegail

  3. Our condolences to Deb & Rick, Mrs. Kucan, and family members during this time of sadness. We are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Michael & Marlene Runkel

  4. Very nice man I remember being a neighbor and the times I clear there snow for them so they would go to mass I cut a tree for them too and I got the wood from them he’s a brilliant man and very nice friend I always can say may he rest in peace I will always say thank u for the talks and for u and your wife I was blessed to know both of you

  5. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of George Joseph Kucan, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Army Veteran, George Joseph Kucan, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

  6. Dear Virginia, Deb & Rick and family, So sorry for your loss. George was a wonderful man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless! Stan Tuchalski

  7. Dear Kucan family, we were so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, John and Barb Lyonett

  8. Chuck and Linda May Dear Deb, Rick and family. So sorry to hear about George’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed his smile and he was a wonderful person. God bless and rest in peace.

  9. Virginia, Linda, Debbie, Kimmy and family, I wanted you to know that I feel honored to have known George. He was a wonderful man full of pride and love for his family. Jordan & Tyler were blessed with all of you!! I know that time changes things but I will always care about each of you and how you all have played such a wonderful role in Jordan and Tyler’s lives. You are a very special family .May you Rest In Peace George . My love always, Leslie Kovalesky

  10. To the family of George Kucan Vic and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Kucan. Vic remembers how kind he always was toward her and that in itself is a great memory to have. Please accept our condolences. Dave and Vicki Reitter


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