Karlton J. Gyurko

CARTHAGE — Karlton James Gyurko, age 76 of 35376 Putman Hill Road, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, June 27, 2024, at his home in Carthage, NY under the care of his loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Public calling hours will be held from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Lundy Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, with a Funeral at 3:00 pm with The Reverend Canon, Samuel P. Lundy, officiating. The burial will be held privately by his family in Sutter, California.

Mr. Gyurko was born on January 25, 1948, in West Carthage, New York, the son of the late Leslie I. & Ruth M. (Slye) Gyurko. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1967. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967, he was honorably discharged in 1989.

Karlton married Nancy Lynn Jenson on June 19, 1970, in Germany, where Mr. Gyurko was stationed with the US Air Force. In 1971 the couple returned to the United States and lived at several Air Force Bases and began their family while stationed at Beale Air Force Base. The couple had two children, Kathleen and Kyle. Karl first retired in 1989 as a Technical Sergeant in the 92D Civil Engineering SQ (SAC). They settled in Carthage, NY. He then started his second career as a military-civilian employee for Public Works on Fort Drum until October of 2012. He lost his wife Nancy L. Gyurko on March 3, 1999, due to complications of heart disease.

He married his high school sweetheart Alice M. Fargo on December 3rd, 2023 in Deferiet, NY. He was an avid country western dancer and he once belonged to the Tumbleweed Dance Club. He and his family regularly enjoyed horseback riding with friends and family. A few things he loved were: collecting antique Oliver Tractors, rodeos, cowboy attire, concerts, a nice cold Coors Light, and a glass of cold milk with every meal. In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and vacationing at Ridin’ Hi Ranch. Karl enjoyed spending time with his family, and he enjoyed visiting with his many friends. He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church, in Carthage. He was known far and wide as "Cowboy Karl."

Karlton was predeceased by his parents Leslie and Ruth Gyurko, and his first wife Nancy Lynn Gyurko. He is survived by his beloved wife Alice; his children Kathleen Gyurko of Lowville, NY, and Kyle (Sally) Gyurko of Edmeston, NY; his sister, Valerie (Andy) Gyurko of Latham, NY; a granddaughter, Kaelynn; a grandson, Jackson; as well as many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SUNY Upstate Cancer Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse 13201.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., and condolences may be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.