Celebrating the Life of
Joseph Peter Jurga Jr.
July 29, 1954 — November 4, 2023
Obituary
Joseph Peter Jurga Jr. or as everyone knew him as “Pete” (69) unexpectedly passed away on November 4, 2023, at his home in Columbia, SC.
Born July 29, 1954 to Edith and Joseph Peter Jurga Sr., Peter lived his rambunctious young life in Massachusetts and Harrison, NY with his sisters Jacqui, JoAnn and brother, Jeffrey. He was a standout athlete at Harrison High, participating in multiple sports including track and football. He was recently inducted into the Harrison High School Hall of Fame as his game winning tackle secured the win over the Huskies great rival, Rye High School.
Pete attended The Citadel (November Company) on a track and football scholarship and graduated with the Class of 1977 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. After being introduced by a mutual friend, he met his beloved wife while they were in college, Melanie Sue Shipp, and they were married in 1977.
Pete was a devoted husband and incredibly proud and loving father of his four children. He was an extremely present father and usually the loudest in the stands. If you had a dream or vision, he would make it happen. Pete was joyfully “Pete Pete” to his grandson, Peter Mark Morabito, loving him greater than he ever imagined possible.
Pete was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. Everyone would tell you he never met a stranger, was the life of the party in every room, and would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back. He was generous, loyal, innovative, considerate and kind. Pete loved to play golf, go to the beach, work in the yard, attend sporting events, cheer on the Citadel Bulldogs, and spend time with his friends, family and dogs.
Pete was a proud employee of Saint-Gobain Abrasives for over 20 years. Beginning his career in sales at Prime Equipment Company in Columbia, SC, he worked incredibly hard with high standards and always made sure things were done the right way by the many salesman that he traveled the country to train and for his clients and colleagues.
He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it.
Peter was predeceased by his son, Joseph Peter Jurga Jr., brother Jeffrey Jurga, father Joseph Peter Jurga, Sr. and mother Edith May Marlett. He is survived by his wife, Melanie Jurga; daughters, Kristen Jurga (Christopher Dunn); Caroline Jurga (John Fry); Courtney Jurga Morabito (Eric Morabito); grandson Peter Morabito; sisters Jacqui Jurga (nephews Christopher Keidasch and Vinny Keidasch); and JoAnn Quigley (nephew Jeffrey Quigley) and many nieces and nephews.
He will be missed tremendously. A celebration of life will occur at a future date.
Condolences can be sent to:
The Jurga Family,
208 Walnut Lane,
Columbia, SC 29212
Services
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Saturday, March 9, 2024, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eastern Time
The Exchange, 3003 Dunes W Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Exchange (3003 Dunes W Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466) in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Drop-In or Stay. For those in attendance, please come as you are and if you would like, wear Citadel blue. Request: We would like to make a book of Pete’s legacy. We know that he touched many lives and is connected to each of you in unique and special ways. We are asking anyone who knew him to write to us of the memories that you shared with him - how he impacted you, what you experienced together, how he lived, something you will always remember about Pete and even share photos. Email: [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
My best friend and best man ! Love u brother !
I truly enjoyed working with Pete and he was truly selfless and dedicated to his customers. Pete was very proud of his family and it felt like I knew them. Pete was a the best tour guide of Charleston and a very proud Citadel alumnus. Pete will be sorely missed by his Norton colleagues and it was a privilege to know you. My sincere condolences to the family.
PETE! I'm happy to have been part of your life. Your one of those guys that is one in a million always taking care of everyone first and never asking for it back. Thank you for everything you are beyond missed already!! Rest easy BROTHER!!
Two Peters read Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Dad with grandson, Peter.
Pete's guard dogs who attacked me
Waaay back in August of 1973 - the Citadel November Company Knobs gathered for this memorable photo. You'll find Pete in the upper right corner of this picture - just a little cockeyed, even back then. We miss you already brother.
Mr. Pete, you were my second father growing up. You were the fun Dad who did all the things with us that my OSHA dad didn’t approve of haha. The rides up in your boom lift and the many rides around the neighborhood in the back of your truck so we could feel the wind in our hair. You let us be kids and you gave us core memories surrounded by love. I’ll forever think of you every holiday season, specifically Halloween ;) There is a big hole in many hearts with this loss. We loved you and we will continue to love on your entire family <3
Pete, Buddy, I wish I had 100 more years learning from you, eating Joe's Crab Shack and drinking guiness. You will always be remembered by so many people you once touched. This team will never be the same without you. Until we meet again brother, I will honor your good ethic and love for your customers until my last day.. OC
Pete was a wonderful person and friend. I am proud to have had the opportunity of working with him for the past 5 years and to live close enough to see him quite often. He was an extremely hard worker and always a pleasure to be around. He always spoke of how much he loved his family. I will miss him greatly.
Pete was a valued teammate and classmate at The Citadel. The last time I talked with him was at our Citadel Football Reunion. Pete always had a way of elevating the atmosphere with his outgoing and usually funny outlook. May your cherished memories of Pete never fade. We will continue to pray for you and ask our Heavenly Father to surround you with His grace. In Jesus name.
I met Pete a few years ago at a show for work and he was just an amazing person. I had a great time getting to know him in our short meeting~ he invited my partner and I to his home any time. He was proud of his home, wife, family and pups. I am very sorry to hear of his loss, he was a great man. prayers to his family, we will keep you in our prayers.
Dearest Melanie, Kristen,Caroline, Courtney and family: Pete’s life was short but full of kindness, laughter and compassion we will never forget-our condolences and prayers to all of you and please take care of each other. We know Trey is smiling!
Dear Melanie, Pete will be missed by everyone who knew him. I remember him in football practice always at full-speed...expletives deleted! Frank Beamer loved the way he played. He lit up the room. The Long Gray Line is a little shorter and dimmer with his passing. The Bulldog Nation mourns with you. Mike Wiggins '79
Dearest Mel, Kristan,Caroline ,Courtney and family, We were so sad to hear about Pete’s passing. Though it has been years since we have seen you all , we miss you and loved every moment we spent with your Dad. May his love of life live on in you all. 🥰🥰🥰🥰Sandra Boswell and family
Mel and Family, I just stumbled upon this on Facebook. I wanted to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. it has been a number of years since we have communicated but wanted you to know I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Pete was a hard working, dedicated man on every level -father, husband, friend, employee. A unique soul, kind, funny, trustworthy, could talk to a wall, fighter and winner. Worked with Pete for almost 20 years, I miss him and I love him
Sharon and I loved tailgating with Pete. He always added fun and laughter to all events. It was especially fun watching Pete give my three cadet sons a hard time about how easy they have it compared to the “Old Corps”. He was a loved man who loved many. Jeff ‘77 and Sharon.
So sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. Just saw him at the reunion. I remember passing him the ball to him in high school. My condolences to all his family. Prayers to you all…
Pete exemplified being a Citadel Man and wearer of The Ring. He will be missed but never forgotten by our Brotherhood.
Mrs. Jurga, Kristen, Caroline, Courtney, and family, I am so sorry to have read of the passing of Mr. Jurga. He was always so happy, always smiling, every time I saw him when he would come to school for any events. My thoughts are with y’all during this difficult time.
Peter was a great class maté & teammate on the football team. Energetic and tough. I l loved his excitement when talking with him. I miss him already & I’m sorry for your family’s loss. I’m sure he was a great father & husband!
From the first time I met Pete it was obvious that he was a very special young man. His life just helped me know I was right. Unfortunately the world will be a darker place without him. Rest well Pete.
Pete was so much more than a vendor. He was a dear friend that I will deeply miss. Pete and I talked at length about your family’s journey as he knew my very similar path. He was just a great man, husband and father. I am better for knowing him
Pete’s passing made me feel extremely sad. We all just saw him at our 50th HS reunion! My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. I will always remember his intensity in football whether we were practicing or in a game. He was always in great shape, super fast and really strong. Again, he will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
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