George “Djuri” Volitich, 94, of Aliquippa, PA, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Aliquippa on May 22, 1930, Djuri was the youngest of eight children to his parents George and Ana. His education was that of a first-generation Serbian whose parents instilled in him a desire to work and better himself. He left school at an early age and began working at Jones & Laughlin Steel in Aliquippa. After 37 years of service, he retired from J&L at the age of 52. It is at this time he began his new career as a chef. He followed his passion of cooking for other with the recipes his mother taught him and some tricks of the trade she shared. Nothing would make him happier. His cooking career lasted over 40 years. He never really stopped cooking – only slowing down for immediate family members or Kumovi or friends.
Djuri’s life was also influenced by the church. Starting back in Logstown and later at St. Elijah, he was active in many capacities within the parish. He taught choreography for the church tamburitza group and perhaps his most rewarding efforts were with the St. Elijah Men’s Club (nee – St. Elijah Youth Center Committee). This committee founded by the late V. Rev. Bulich and Djuri started a bevy of delightful, entertaining and profitable events that were the genesis of St. Elijah Center. Many, many Fish Frys, a Hawaiian Night, a Western Night, and more were organized by the guys. These events were hilariously entertaining, and the food was always fantastic – Djuri was always in charge of that detail. For years, he cooked for many events for the benefit of the parish.
His catering was held in high regard with the clergy. Djuri catered for †Bishop Sava, †Bishop Christopher, Bishop Mitrofan and a multitude of other clergymen. This connection to the church was not only with the clergy per se but evident as Djuri served as Kum for 17 children within the parish. This expanded his family exponentially over the years.
Through the years, Djuri donated time by decorating the church for Easter and Christmas for years, donated eggs to St. George and St. Elijah church for the noodle ladies, cooking for countless parish events, and perhaps Djuri will be remembered for his crispy, delicious strudel and authentic pogaća.
Always a man of his word, if he said he would get it done – by George – it got done. In 2013 Djuri was the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation from St. George Serbian Church of Midland, PA and in 2014. He and Marlene received an Episcopal Citation of Recognition from the Serbian Diocese of Eastern U.S. and Canada. Djuri was rewarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of supporting Serbian Heritage, church, club, family and friends from the Aliquippa Serbian Club for which he served as the Vice-President for years. In 2017 Djuri and Marlene were the Kum and Kuma for St. Elijah’s Slava Celebration and in 2019 he was the Serb National Federation Man of the Year.
Djuri was insistent, for as long as one can remember, that his family stop by after church on Sunday for dinner. He would cook enough for a small army – never knowing how many might show but always prepared. Running out of food was never an option. As a matter of fact, even though the door to his home was always open, folks would ask to stop by and partake in his infamous Sunday dinners.
Djuri is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marlene (nee Shatlan) Volitich, son Gregory (Melissa) Volitich, son Daniel (Joan) Volitich and daughter Diane (Gregg) Knapp; grandchildren, Michael (Stefani), Dessa (Brendan), Karina, Danielle (Anthony), Ashley (Edwin), Dayanna (Phillip), Katina (Sawyer), Alyssa (Tristan), Julia and Mark. Additionally, they were blessed with 12 Great-Grandchildren. Djuri is also survived by his sister, Ann (nee-Volitich) Kerns. He was preceded in death by parents George and Ana (nee-Vuletić) Vuletich, his brothers Michael “Mega” (Elenor) and Nick (Lenora) Volitich.
Djuri will be remembered his passion of dance, his passion for planting flowers in his yard, his passion to please others with his catering, and his passion for his family Slava – oh, and his chickens too.
A Pomen took place April 24 at Tatalovich Funeral Home; funeral service was the following day at the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, with Fr. George Popović, officiating. Brother Djuri was laid to rest at St. Elijah Church Cemetery in Hopewell Township. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Elijah Serbian Choir and/or the St. Elijah Serbian Church.
Memory eternal.
