George A. Soroka

George A. Soroka, 87, of Syracuse, died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Friday, August 24, 1917 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Andrew Soroka and Lydia Ponicsan. George attended ScrantonLackawanna Business College. He served in the Army Air Corps781st Bomber Squadron,465thbomb group during World War II inItaly and received aMedal of Good Conduct and Marksman Badge. He retired from Gabriel Automotive in Syracuse in 1982. George was an avid gardener and member of the Mens Garden Club of Syracuse since 1979. He was past secretary and served as editor of their paper, The Spreader. In 1995 he wasthe recipient ofthe Master Gardener Award for outstanding club contribution. He was also a member of the Zoo Crew at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. They are a part of the Garden Club who care for all the seasonal plantings at the zoo. George enjoyed manicuring his yard. He looked forward to the many hours he would spend gardening. He enjoyed his roses, particularly the blooms of salmon and pink. His favorite one to grow was the old-time Peace Rose. He alsoliked wild flowers, Candy Tufts and blue Forget-me-nots.When George had some leisure time, you might have found him stream fishing for trout.George was also a member of the Old Newsboys Christmas Toy Fund and volunteer at Community-General Hospital. His church home was Atonement Lutheran Church where he was a past council member, usher, and a regular part of Men in AtoneMENt. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, the former Thelma Smith; daughters, Deborah (Phil) Rockwell of Plattsburgh and Kim (Robert) Cherry of Fayetteville; grandson, Roger Cherry of Fayetteville; stepdaughter, Gail (Richard) Smith Hook; stepson, Gary (Jeannie) Smith and stepgrandsons, Luke and Zachary Smith. George was predeceased by his first wife of 32 years, Estelle Cwynar Soroka. Friends may call Sunday, May 22, 2005 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Atonement Lutheran Church. Services will immediately follow with The Rev Nelson W. Gaetz, The Rev. PeterR. Suarez and Deacon Karen Douglass officiating. Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2005 at Dunmore Cemetery, Dunmore, Pennsylvania withThe Rev. PeterR. Suarez conducting the committal service. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Contributions may be made to the Atonement Lutheran Church, 116 W. Glen Ave., Syracuse, NY 13205 or to the Men's Garden Club of Syracuse, Inc., P.O. Box 23, Syracuse, NY 13209.