LAKELAND, Fla. - George Valko Senda, 80, formerly of Warren, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
He was born to his parents, Michael and Bertha Valko Senda, on March 11, 1932.
George graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1950. He attended Oklahoma State University while in the military. He also attended Youngstown State University after military obligations.
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George was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was a cryptographer and served 23 months in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was nominated and was chosen as Airman of one of the months served in Europe.
George worked at Republic Steel, LTV Steel, and subsequently retired from WCI Steel after 30 years of employment. He worked in Accounting and eventually retired as Administrator of Employee Benefits.
He was a member of the American Legion. He volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital and Autumn Hills Nursing Home. He enjoyed watching sports, doing crossword puzzles and dancing. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform in sports events or on stage.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Nancy, whom he married on July 7, 1979; brothers, Michael Senda and John Senda; and sisters Martha Zakucia and Mary Gozur.
Survivors are daughters, Laura E. (Richard) Scudier of Liberty, Nancy A. (Dennis) Murphy of Smithfield, Va., and Rhonda J. (Brian) Peiffer of Sandusky; grandchildren, Sean Murphy of Annapolis, Md., Dana Scudier of Liberty, and Lindsey, Emily, Drew and Devin Peiffer of Sandusky; stepchildren, Shelby Smith, Joe Smith, William Smith and Lee (Cindy) Smith, and seven stepgrandchildren. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, many great nieces and great nephews with whom he shared many wonderful memories.
George also leaves behind his dearest companion, Arlene B. Capell, with whom he made his home and who was his great comforter during his illness.
Services were held in Lakeland in August.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Edward, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown, with a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m.
Services will be officiated by Monsignor Robert Siffrin.
Visit www.heathfuneralchapel.com to view obituary, tribute video and to send condolences online to Mr. Senda's family.
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