Anthony E. Jurenko
Oct 7, 1941 ~ Feb 19, 2024

Husband, Father, and Grandfather

OLEAN --- Anthony (Tony) E. Jurenko, of 423 Fountain St., Olean, passed away peacefully on Monday (February 19, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, with his daughters at his side.

Born October 7, 1941, in Olean, he was the son of the late Edward and Mary Sorochin Jurenko. Tony graduated from Olean High School in 1959 and then proudly served in United States Navy. On July 12, 1969, at St. Mary of the Angels Church, he married the late Joan Theresa Padden. They were married 37 years until Joanie’s passing in 2007.

Tony worked for Dresser Rand in Olean for 35 years, retiring in 2006. He was a proud, longtime member of the Local 4601 United Steelworkers, serving in the capacity of grievance officer and vice-president. Tony believed in the protection of the blue collar worker in a time when manufacturing jobs were leaving the country. Anthony was also a member of the Pulaski Club, the St. Stephen’s Club as well as the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892.

Tony was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. In 2011, he attended his first Yankees game with his brothers Dan and Charles Jurenko. Tony also loved attending and later watching St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball games. One of his favorite memories was the double overtime win against St. Joe’s in February 2012. Tony was a passionate fan of the Buffalo Bills. He shared and passed on that passion to his daughter Jennifer. For the Buffalo Bills first Super Bowl appearance, Tony painted his face red and had his wife Joanie drive him around to the local bars in Olean with an American flag hanging out of the car. He always BILLieved at the beginning of every football season that this was the year that his Buffalo Bills would be Super Bowl Champions.

Tony loved to meet his friends for coffee in the morning at Union Street Burger King. One of his favorite treats was a Burger King ice cream cone. Tony loved to go apple and peach picking with his daughter, Annie. He was also a proud American who loved fireworks. Together with his son-in-law, Mark Kless, they got a few fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, which was the beginning of the Lime Lake Patriotic Celebration that continues to this day. Tony enjoyed talking politics with his son-in-law Scott Herron. Tony also loved his monthly Pulaski Club dinners and the monthly Allegany American Legion breakfasts and dinners. He was so grateful for those who worked to provide those opportunities to the Olean Community. Tony loved his Fountain Street neighborhood where he grew up. In his final years, he was comforted that his neighbors watched over him, and was so grateful for their friendship and love.

Tony is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Kless of Machias, and Annie (Scott) Herron of Rochester; one brother, Dan Jurenko of Syracuse; one sister-in-law, Susan (Charles) Jurenko, many nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren, Wake Kless, Gracie Kless, Lilly Kless, Maven Kless, Aiden Herron, Ella Herron, and Jonah Herron.

Tony was predeceased by his wife Joan Theresa Padden, his parents Ed and Mary (Sorochin) Jurenko, and brother, Charles Jurenko.

Friends and family will be received from 9:00-11:00 AM Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc. 1303 East State Street, Olean. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Allegany American Legion PO Box 233, 4350 State Rd Allegany, NY 14706