JOHNSONBURG — William E. “Bill” Zuraski, 90, passed away late Friday night, July 31, 2026, at Amaryllis Nursing and Rehab Center, formerly Lakeview Nursing Home, in Smethport, where he had been a resident for the past several years.

Bill was born Dec. 3, 1935, on Long Level Road in Johnsonburg, the youngest of nine children born to the late William and Mary Hoh Zuraski. He was a lifelong resident of Long Level Road and attended Wilcox High School.

On May 7, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Church in Force, he married Shirley Jean Leair, who preceded him in death on April 23, 2016. They were blessed to share 49 years of marriage together.

Bill was a dairy farmer his entire life. He began on the farm at a young age, and along with his brother Bob they operated Zuraski Dairy for many years. Following Bob’s death in 1981, Bill continued operating the dairy farm along with his two sons – Jody and Mark “Tony” Zuraski. Bill retired from dairy farming in 1997.

Bill absolutely loved animals and farming truly was his calling in life. His favorite animal would always be horses. He had many horses in his younger years. We all have that one pet that touched our lives and Bill had two — his horse Rambler and his dog Jerry. Jerry just simply walked into the barn early one morning while he was milking the cows and never left.

Bill is survived by four children — two daughters, Robin (Glen) Dubler of Johnsonburg and Holly Yeager of Smethport, and two sons, Mark “Tony” Zuraski and Jody Zuraski, both of Johnsonburg. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jason Dubler, Emily (Christian) Bryan, Brooke (Jake) Abrams and Alan Yeager; his great-grandson, Ace Bryan; one brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Leair of Weedville; and one sister-in-law, Virginia Neilson of Johnsonburg.

Bill was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by six sisters and brothers-in law, Anastasia (Fred) Parnell, Herby Reikofsky, Elizabeth “Honey” (Russell “Bunny”) Nelson, Loretta (Harold “Bud”) Gerber, Marcella (Arthur) Fledderman and Irene (Tillio “Tink”) Micale; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry “Buzzy” (Delores) Zuraski and Robert “Bob” (Grace) Zuraski; his brother-in-law James “Jigsy” Neilson; and sisters-in-law Helena Leair and Betty Lou Leair; as well as four nieces and three nephews.

Bill was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg. He enjoyed spending time in his many gardens and flower beds. In the fall he would market his produce for others to enjoy. His pumpkins were plentiful and of all sizes. He also loved to swim. In his youth he was an avid swimmer and after he retired, he was a frequent swimmer at the Johnsonburg Community Building. Bill also loved to sing — didn’t matter if it was a song or just notes. He also enjoyed riding his fourwheeler on the farm, attending rodeos at the Flying W Ranch and going to livestock auctions.

A Mass of Christian burial for William E. “Bill” Zuraski was conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Holy Rosary Church with the Rev. David Wilson as celebrant. Interment followed in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Friends were received 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2026) at Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut St.

The staff at Lakeview Nursing Home affectionately nicknamed him “Pappy.” The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lakeview for their care and compassion in caring for Bill during his stay with them.

If desired, contributions in Bill’s memory should be made to the Johnsonburg Community Building, Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg Senior Center or Johnsonburg Public Library.

Share your condolences at ferraginefuneralhome.com.