Jack Murinka

Jack Murinka, lifelong resident of Throop, died on March 18 following a December stroke. He was the son of Nick and Wilma Donato Murinka. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Yura Murinka, daughters Jennifer (Dan) Coppola and Julie Murinka, grandchildren Tess and Jackson Coppola, sisters Sue Ellen (Tim) Leary and Meri-Beth Nielsen, nieces Emily (Art) Heilig, Molly (Bobby) Gage, Justina (Chris) Dumont, and Adrianne (Jake) Fleming, nephews Zach and Jake Nielsen. Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law Jean (Mike) Fedorchuk and aunts Bernadine Burghdurf and Arlene (Andy) D’Alberto, and his best pal, his beagle, Gibbs.

Jack coached throughout his life starting with Little League, moving onto recreational softball programs and ending with the Port Byron Modified Softball team, stressing the fundamentals. He led the Port Byron Booster club for over a decade and was most proud of scholarships they awarded each year.

Jack worked at the Cayuga County Highway Department until his retirement in 2012, building lifelong friendships. He was head of the sign maintenance department, but over the years he could be found driving truck or, his favorite, plowing snow. He loved a good snowstorm! At home he was usually found working in his garage or on his John Deere. He took great pride in his yard and was often working outside until after dark.

He enjoyed his annual trips to Myrtle Beach and Stone Harbor, relaxing with family and friends.

Jack cheered on the Mets, the Bills, and Syracuse Orange, but most of all he cheered on his wife’s and his daughter’s endeavors. He rarely missed their games, concerts, school or life events.

The joy of his life was his family, especially his grandkids. Whether it was bonding over Hallmark movies with Tess or imparting his love of Westerns and baseball with Jackson, he loved every second. If you knew him, you know how proud he was of his family.

Calling hours for Jack will be held on Friday, March 21st from 4pm - 7pm in White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn NY. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 1pm in St. Mary's Church, Auburn. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY.

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