Elmer Zahurak

As Elmer transitioned to his eternal glory his loving wife Mary Beth Casey was by his side.

Elmer was the loving son of Michael and Margaret (nee Rosa), and left behind numerous loving cousins from the Zahurak/Rosa family. Elmer was welcomed and loved more than an in-law by the Casey family. He had countless friends who were like family to him.

Elmer led an amazing life. From the beginning he was destined to be someone special. A miracle baby surviving Rh blue syndrome, Elmer continued to inspire all he met as he grew up. His father reinforced a love of hunting and fishing.

He was an accomplished athlete at Shaker Hts. High School, and played semi-pro football with the Cleveland Academs.

Elmer was a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Communications, which he was excellent in.

He found his passion becoming a pilot for the USA Bobsled team from 1980-1988. Elmer lived by three words; “relaxation, concentration and execution,” which helped him accomplish countless trophies throughout the world in the sport.

Once he retired from Bobsledding, Elmer went back to school to become a Physical Therapy Assistant, a new passion for him.

Throughout his marriage he and his wife travelled throughout the US camping, hunting and fishing. Elmer had many prized trophies from those adventures.

When Elmer received his diagnosis of metastatic stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he went back to his mantra, relaxation, concentration, and execution. His final 17 months of life were lived to the fullest. At no time did he let his diagnosis stop him from enjoying every moment, before it could slip away. He would let everyone who cared for him know how much he loved them.

We are forever grateful for the lesson and legacy from this “Miracle Baby,” from Windber, Pa., Keep a Smile on your face and a song in your heart through Relaxation, Concentration and Execution; life is too short not to live to its fullest.

Due to Covid-19 a Memorial Tribute will be scheduled at a later date to accommodate everyone who loved this amazing man. Details to follow on Mary Beth Casey’s Face Book page. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to RGS Allegheny Chapter, C/O Mary Homser, 1016 Long Level Rd., Johnsonburg, PA 15845.