George Lawrence Paluda

Former Washington Steel maintenance mechanic. George Lawrence Paluda, 59, of Washington, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, in Washington Hospital. He was born January 16, 1950, in Washington, a son of Steven Paluda of Washington and the late Virginia Knox Paluda. Mr. Paluda graduated from Trinity High School. For 25 years, he worked as a maintenance mechanic at Washington Steel and then worked at Union Electric for six years. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, going to the movies and fishing at Outer Banks, N.C. He was an avid fan of the Steelers and Penguins. A Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Navy, he served from October 9, 1969, until his honorable discharge September 23, 1975, with a rank of machinist's mate, first class. During his naval service, he served aboard the submarine USS Skate. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Award. After discharge from the Navy, he served in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania as a staff sergeant. Mr. Paluda was Christian. On December 23, 1969, he married Joyce Mancina, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Brian Scott (Pam) Paluda of Washington; a daughter, Jennifer Paluda of Pittsburgh; three brothers, Stephen T. (Debra) Paluda and Daniel P. (Samantha) Paluda, both of Washington, and David B. (Fran) Paluda of Houston; a sister, Sandra L. (Robert) Reck of Washington; two grandchildren, Brendan and Devin; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at noon Wednesday, July 29. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 777 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.