George M. Suhon
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George M. Suhon, 57 was a native of the Western Pennsylvania area, being born and raised in the small community of Avella. He currently resided in West Alexander. Mr. Suhon died Sunday-March 27, 2016 at UPMC Pittsburgh after a brief illness. He was born August 31, 1958 in Washington the son of the late George Michael & Stella Mariani Suhon Sr. Mr. Suhon was raised by his stepmother; Anne Strho Suhon who lives in Avella. His mother Stella died after giving birth to him. Mr. Suhon was a graduate of Avella High School in 1976 and also was a graduate of the Washington Instituteof Technology. He was a member of the Washington & Wheeling Church ofChrist.
George was a musician/entertainer for many years. His musical career started with George’s dad playing banjo and guitar, George playing accordion and cousin John Harding playing bass guitar when George and John were 8 & 9 years old. They were called Georgie’s Polka Gems…..Then they added a drummer Bobby Maracinni.
By the 1970’s George had come into his own and was proficient at many instruments including piano accordion, button accordion, piano/organ, guitar, banjo, bass guitar and drums. When George Sr. could no longer play because of health reasons they addeda sax player/keyboardist Mike Bishop to join the band and Frank Mavrich to play drums. George and John formed SILVER SKY in around 1976. George learned to play the accordion, guitar and banjo without taking any lessons, learning completely by ear.
Silver Sky continued through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and even into 2000. In 2002 George began entertaining full time as a solo entertainer/vocalist musician. They went through numerous musicians throughout the years but George and John played together for 33 years keeping SILVER SKY BAND going with drummer Brian Berry, Dave Stirk, Ed Makowski, Larry Divis and many other talented musicians.
The variety of music was astounding, playing oldies, big band, waltz, cha cha, Sinatra era, old time standards, country two step, country & western, country rock, swing, doowop, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s rock and roll, disco, funk and polka with his repertoire consisting of over 500 songs.
George also worked at Sprowls hardware and Blue Diamond Enterprises. He eventually opened his own TV/Electronic repair shop named SUHON ELECTRONICS & REPAIR in Washington, Pa. George had also coached many of his children’s baseball & softball teams. George also coached youth baseball and softball up through Colt league. He was a member of the Avella Athletic 300 Club for many years. He taught Bible Class for many years and some of his passions were discussing religion & politics. He also was an avid Pirate Fan.
On July 24, 1999 he married Beth Ann Harris who survives. Also surviving are his children, son; George (Aprile Smith) Suhon of Coraopolis, son; Richard Anthony Suhon of Oakdale, daughter; Christina Fuller of Scott Twp., son; Sgt. Andrew (Jennifer) Suhon, daughter; Alexandria Moore of West Alexander, daughter; Gina Suhon of West Alexander, daughter; Maria Suhon of West Alexander, granddaughter; PaigeSuhon, sister; Elaine Yerger of Washington, several nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles also survive.
Mr. Suhon was precededin death by a step brother; John Haught and a sister, Cheryl “Shelly”Gavazzi.
Friends will be received on Wednesday-March 30, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday-March 31, 2016 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc. Wilson at E. Katherine Avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. A funeral service will be held on Friday-April 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. John Wright & the Rev. Dave Deagel co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Turner Syndrome Society at TurnerSyndrome.org or to the family in care of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.