Obituary of Philip F. Hurray

Philip F. Hurray, 86 passed away peacefully on December 8, 2009. Phil was born on April 2, 1923 to Joseph and Mathilda (Skrak) Hurray of Salem, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Joseph Hurray, a dentist; Sisters Mary Matilda and Dorothea, teachers with the order of Sisters of the Humility of Mary; and sisters Mary (May) Farrell of Clarksburg, WV; Virginia, a writer; and Helen, a retired registered nurse from Salem. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Mary Teresa (McCue) Hurray of Leetonia, Ohio; and by a sister, Matilda (Tillie) Tolson of Salem. After graduating from St. Paul in Salem, Ohio and Salem High School, he was employed by National Sanitary. He then attended Mt. Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. At the start of his first year of college, World War II had begun. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Sergeant assigned to the 1251st Combat Engineers as a medic in the European Theater. After returning home, he continued his education with the help of the G.I. Bill. He enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1952. He married in 1954 and moved to Akron, Ohio. He worked as a Pharmacist for Peoples Drug Stores. After the closing of Peoples Drug Stores, he was employed by Youngfellow Drug for eight years. He then retired, but later went back to work for Rite Aid Drug Stores. Upon moving to Akron, he started a family. His beloved children, who survive him, include Philip Jr. of Tempe, Arizona; daughter Mary (Richard) Churchill of Tampa, FL.; Michael (Mick) (and his soul mate Anne Alexander) of Akron; Paul and wife Kim (Lake) of Akron; and son Thomas from Cleveland. Phil and his family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and medical staff with the Summa Health System, the Veterans Administration, and all those who have been so supportive, helpful, and caring throughout the years and made his last days comfortable. The family invites friends to meet this Saturday at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to celebrate Phil's life. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at St. Paul Catholic Church 1580 Brown St., Akron, Ohio where Phil has been a member for many years. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery in Salem, Ohio. The family requests donations be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, Mobile Meals, or to a charity of choice. (Anthony Funeral Homes, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com )