Max Zurko's Obituary
Max John Zurko was born in Wilmington, Delaware, the youngest child of Stephen and Anna (Schurko). Like many Northerners, the warm and sunny climate of Florida proved to be alluring to his parents, and when he was 7 years old, they relocated to North Miami with his brother Steve and sister Joyce (Losonsky).
Max attended Madison Junior High school and Edison Senior High, where he participated in activities such as Track and Field. After graduating in 1966 he followed his brother and sister up to Tallahassee to attend the Florida State University, where he began his lifelong pursuit of education, for himself and others. It may surprise some that he also honed his skills as a trapeze artist with the FSU Flying High Circus! It was during this time that he met Sylvia (Beadle), who was also pursuing a degree in Education. After graduation they returned to South Florida. They were married for 11 years, and their son Chad was born in 1976.
Max taught Industrial Arts at several schools including South Broward High, while also working with his father at his jewelry store and honey-selling business. However, he longed to return to the peaceful and natural beauty of Tallahassee. So, during their summer vacations from teaching, he would return there to the plot of land he had purchased, and work on building the A-Frame house where he would eventually settle for the remainder of his days.
In 1982, Max relocated permanently to Tallahassee and began his tenure teaching Industrial Arts at FSU’s Developmental Research School, otherwise known as “Florida High.” Throughout his 24 years there, he gained love and respect from his students as well as fellow teachers. With his caring yet no-nonsense approach, he taught them practical life skills like changing an electrical outlet or fixing a leaky pipe, as well as drafting and woodworking; skills which sadly are rarely if ever taught now. And to this day, his former students frequently recount the “inspirational” handwritten signs posted around his classroom, with messages like “Shouldas, couldas and wouldas don’t count- didyas are the hard currency of life”, “Mediocrity is not good ‘nuf” and “If you’ve come to play, go away!”
His is expertise went way beyond carpentry: He was also an avid Civil War buff, and regularly traveled up the east coast to visit historical sites like Gettysburg and attend reenactments of battles. He amassed what is believed to be the largest collection in the world of canteens from that era (and even before.)
He definitely marched to the beat of his own drum and lived life on his own terms. Yet he would never hesitate to do anything he could to help someone in need, while also making sure they learned how to help themselves. Here’s to a life well lived! He will be sorely missed.
Max is preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Anna, his brother Steve and nephew Scott. He is survived by his son Chad, sister Joyce, sister-in-law Linda and nieces and nephews Andrea, Natahsa, Nicole, Ryan and Grant.
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