Obituary of Roy Urho Nurkka

Roy U. Nurkka ANDOVER- Roy Urho Nurkka, 61 passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022, while a resident of Andover Village. After having a massive heart attack several years ago, Roy continued to do his best. ” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Roy was born on November 30, 1960, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, the son of Urho and Hellevi (Pakakangas) Nurkka. A graduate of Harbor High School, he earned a football scholarship to Glenville State University of West Virginia. Roy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church with his family and a member of Finnish American Heritage Association. To say Roy loved football would be an understatement! He enjoyed playing, coaching and watching the game of football. After returning to Ashtabula, he coached high school football. Roy coached his beloved Harbor Mariners, Madison, and Conneaut as well as the alumni team for Ashtabula High School. Roy was a good son, brother and dad, he will be remembered as a man who loved life and his family and friends. He enjoyed the company of his son, Jacob sister, Liisa and his mom, Hellevi. Roy and Jacob were always together, he encouraged Jacob to follow his passion and they began to build muscle cars and enjoyed those special times together. Roy is survived by his son, Jacob (Madison Hunchuck) Nurkka, mother, Hellevi Nurkka of South Carolina, Jacob’s mother, Lisa Distelrath, brother -in-law Richard Kalinowski, nephew, Hannu Roivas. Roy was preceded in death by his sister, Liisa A. Nurkka- Kalinowski and father, Urho Nurkka. A Gathering of Friends will be held from 5PM-7PM on Monday, June 13, 2022, at Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. If desired contributions may be made to the family. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 is assisting he family. www.ducro.com