George Gesiak

Longtime Manifold resident helped construct I-79. George Gesiak, 85, a longtime resident of Manifold, South Strabane Township, died Tuesday, December 13, 2005, in Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington. He was born April 20, 1920, in Republic, a son of Michael and Anna Gafric Gesiak. Mr. Gesiak was a truck and uke driver for highway construction firms. While working for Mashuta Construction, he helped construct Interstate 79. He was a member of Slovenian Club in Meadow Lands, Polish Club and Bears Club. Mr. Gesiak enjoyed eating out, listening to Polka Mike radio show and spending time with his little buddy, James. He loved all animals, especially cats, and loved his cat, Frisky, very much. Mr. Gesiak was proud of his great-grandson, Rob, who is studying to be a teacher. He was Catholic. On September 25, 1959, he married Wilda Mae Smith, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Barbara Jean Mundell-O'Hara of Washington; a stepson, Edwin Paul Platt of Arnold, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Betty Jane Haskett of Franklin, N.C.; six grandchildren, Brenda, Butch, David, Paul, Buster and Lori; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a nephew, David Handa of Cleveland, Ohio. Deceased are a sister, Helen Handa; and a grandchild, Teresa Smallwood. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 17, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330; Pet Search, P.O. Box 1653, Washington, PA 15301; or Abandoned Animal Fund, c/o Anita Biers, 6 Zelt Street, Washington, PA 15301.