Giacinto Giorgio "George" Szurko
1951 - 2026 | Sheffield
Dad was many things to many people — a devoted husband, much-loved dad, granddad, uncle and friend — but above all, he was enormous fun to be around. He was hilarious, cheeky, full of charm, and known for saying the most ridiculous things at exactly the right moment. He had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease, and his presence filled every room.
He was married to our mum, Julie, on her 20th birthday, 22nd May 1971, and together they built a life and family he was immensely proud of: his eldest son Christian, second son Daniel, and twins Helen and Andrew, alongside his son-in-law and daughters-in-law and six grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply and with such enthusiasm.
An upholsterer by trade, Dad took huge pride in his work and was highly respected for his skill and craftsmanship. He loved good food, a nice glass of wine, and a cigar. Something our mum never approved of but which he did anyway!
He valued time spent with the people he loved above everything. Half Polish and half proudly Italian, family and connection were at the heart of who he was. He also leaves behind his brother Carlo and sister Maria in Italy.
Dad was diagnosed with cancer in December 2021 and faced it with great stoicism for a long time. As his illness progressed, he struggled, but even in the hardest times he never fully lost his sense of humour. One of the many facets of dad which is going to be so hard to no longer experience.
He spent his final nine days being cared for at St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield, where he was shown extraordinary kindness, sensitivity and dignity. The entire team supported him and our family through the hardest of days and ensured he was comfortable, calm and considered at every step.
He will be missed beyond words. His presence was larger than life, and anyone who knew him — or was lucky enough to meet him — will carry a piece of him with them forever.
Our family would love to support the continuation of their incredible services through raising some funds in honour of dad, granddad, George.
Thank you,
Julie, Helen, Andrew, Daniel and Christian
Photos
Thoughts and Donations
£90.00
Donated by Anonymous - 23/06/2026
£55.00 + £13.75 GiftAid
Donated by Robert Wainwright - 21/06/2026
£200.00 + £50.00 GiftAid
My heart is broken, who will recover the furniture now? Thank you wonderful St Lukes for making those last days so special for the whole family and supporting me throughout Thank you my crazy wonderful husband for 57 years I will love you forever.
Donated by Anonymous - 20/06/2026
£10.00 + £2.50 GiftAid
Donated by Anonymous - 19/06/2026
£10.00 + £2.50 GiftAid
George will be sadly missed. Love Sandra xxx
Donated by Jo Szurko - 19/06/2026
£20.00 + £5.00 GiftAid
I don't quite know where to start with George. The first time I met him, he came speeding (literally) into a pub carpark, in a white van, cigar in mouth, and music loudly blaring out. He was dropping Christian off but obviously wanted to make himself known to me, which he certainly did and continued to do so throughout the time I knew him. He was the complete opposite of my own dad, he was loud, loved being the centre of attention and loved any kind of social event but they complimented each other perfectly and I was lucky enough to have them both in my life for such a long time. George was kind and generous, would do anything for anybody and got along with everyone. He loved Julie and their beautiful family so much and he was so proud of his children and grandchildren, family was everything to him. Yes he could say the 'odd' inappropriate comment at the wrong time but that just made him even more lovable and human. Oh and funny, have I mentioned he was funny, well pretty hilarious actually. I'll never forget the tears of laughter and being unable to speak from crying and laughing at something George had said or done. He could also be vulnerable and emotional and wasn't afraid to show this side of himself. He was a great man, who meant so much to so many people and was always on hand to support and help. I feel blessed to have known him. Sending Julie and all the family lots of love xxxxxxxx
Donated by Joanne Szurko - 19/06/2026
£20.00 + £5.00 GiftAid
Donated by Luke Bratby - 18/06/2026
£10.00 + £2.50 GiftAid
Donated by Lee Thumpston - 18/06/2026
Donated by Anonymous - 17/06/2026
£10.00 + £2.50 GiftAid
Donated by Ailish Keeley - 17/06/2026
£10.00 + £2.50 GiftAid
Donated by Rebecca Gunn - 17/06/2026
£30.00
It’s impossible to think of George without smiling, he was one of those rare people with no ‘side’, what you saw with George was what you got and what you got was a funny, cheeky chappie with a heart of gold. Unfailingly kind, he would do anything for anybody and have you in fits of laughter at the drop of a hat. I’m so glad to have known him and to see him live on through his beautiful family.
Donated by Janet Knox - 17/06/2026
£200.00 + £50.00 GiftAid
Much love, sorely missed xxx
Donated by Anonymous - 17/06/2026
£25.00 + £6.25 GiftAid
An amazing team supporting amazing people. George you are truly missed. Gardening will never be the same. I’m missing your quick witted banter over the garden hedge!
Donated by Jo Wilson - 17/06/2026
£30.00 + £7.50 GiftAid
It’s hard to believe that I’ve known George as long as I’ve known Christian which must now be some 46yrs. As a child you always made us feel welcome at your house.. as an adult you’ve shown me some great kindness & we’ve had some laughs.. gonna miss you Sir. Much love to the family. Xx
Donated by David France - 17/06/2026
£55.00 + £13.75 GiftAid
An amazing team that cared for dad without any question or hesitation. In a very short time they made him comfortable and had him smile whenever they needed to wash, change his clothes or bedding. Thank you to all at St Luke’s.
Donated by Daniel Szurko - 17/06/2026