Carl August Duraski

Carl A. Duraski, age 90, of North Canton, Ohio died March 19, 2016 after a sudden illness. Born in St. Louis, MO. to the late Bernard L. and Alma Durawski, who dropped the “w” in their name when their children were born.

As a young man, he worked as a butcher prior to joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served on the USS McCall (DD-400) in the South Pacific where, while standing AFT watch, was the first to see a distress signal from Radioman George R. Tweed who had spent 31 months eluding capture.

Following his stellar U.S. Navy career, he attended and graduated from St. Louis University and the Woodcraft Institute where he received his Master Upholsterer Certification. He worked at Brown Shoe Company followed by Knapp Monarch Company, where he worked as a Commercial Artist and served as Advertising Manager. He relocated to N. Canton in 1969 when the company was purchased by The Hoover Company where he became the Marketing/Exposition Manager.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores Ruth (Baker) Duraski. They met at the age of five, and married in 1947. They spent time being on the farm, square dancing, traveling, and dedicated many years to be caregivers to friends and family. His hobby was upholstering furniture until age 84 and he still loved fishing with son in law Steve and best buddy Doug Warren.

Before his retirement, Mr. Duraski was involved for many years with The Advertising Association, Junior Achievement and The Football Hall of Fame and other community and professional organizations. He was a member of VFW, The American Legion and The Elks.

He had 13 brothers and sisters, 9 of which preceded him in death: Ben Duraski, Russ Davis, Eugene Duraski, Ralph Duraski, Tillie Snyder, Margaret Bronco, Vernell Jobe, Rose Duraski and Dorothy Duraski. Surviving are sisters Gloria Humphreys and Ruth Zeiss of St. Louis, MO, brothers Robert (Evelyn) Duraski of Naperville, IL, and Arthur Duraski of Salem, OR.

He will be deeply missed by daughters Lillian (Stan) Wieczorek of Hoffman Estates, IL, Carla (Tony) Maine of Belvidere, NC, and Cheryl (Steve) Warren of North Canton, OH, grandchildren Rosemarie (David) Welch, Carole Ann Wieczorek, Jennifer Wieczorek, great granddaughter Kimberly Welch and his grand dogs Cocoa and Maggie.

Special thanks to family friends Fran Vernier and Jeff Keefer for their ongoing help and love. Appreciation is extended to Interim Healthcare Caregivers Shirley Ulrich and Teireni Middleton, The Veterans Administration, Aultman Compassionate Care and Pastor Eli Klingensmith of Zion United Church of Christ. The family wishes to thank Dr. John Riester for rebuilding Carl over the years, Bob at the Aultman North Rehabilitation Center and to Dr. Louis Shaheen for his wonderful care for over 30 years.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, March 24 at Zion United Church of Christ, 415 S. Main St., N. Canton, OH, with Reverend Eli Klingensmith officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, March 23 from 5-9pm at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Zion United Church of Christ. Arrangements under the direction of Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, Canton, OH.