Fund created to offset local 9/11 first responder’s funeral expenses
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
After spending two nights in his newly refurbished home — that was recently completed thanks to dozens of community members and businesses – a Mon Valley 9/11 hero has passed away.
Nicholas Charles Ursta of Versailles and White Oak passed away Tuesday on his 52nd birthday following a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Dedicated to his community, Ursta served as an emergency medical technician for the White Oak Rescue Squad for nearly 25 years, alongside his wife Margaret, where they both prioritized making a difference in the community.
He was also an EMT and firefighter for Versailles Volunteer Fire Company since 2004.
The fire company announced the news of his death Tuesday.
“After a courageous battle with lung cancer, he (Nick) passed peacefully at home this morning,” the post read. “He was a hero, great friend and an unselfish man. As he was one of many first responders to rush to Ground Zero.
“He will be missed dearly. Our condolences go out to his wife, Margaret Ursta, and family. We got it from here brother, rest easy. We know you will be watching over us on calls and in our lives,” according to the fire department.
According to a recent segment by KDKA-TV News, that held true following Sept. 11, 2001 when Ursta led a team of rescue workers – including his wife – to help without hesitation.
The team worked for nearly a week, treating those who were digging to search for survivors and the bodies of missing loved ones.
After helping victims of the tragic attacks, Ursta came home and returned working in the construction field.
Around the same time, he would spend his spare hours refinishing what would be their family home.
For years, Ursta worked to refurbish the home until he got an unexpected diagnosis in 2017.
When he went to the hospital late last year, he was convinced he had pneumonia but soon found out he had a large mass of fluid in his lungs.
He was told by doctors that the cancer was caused due to asbestos from the air at Ground Zero.
Former KDKA Reporter Marty Griffin got involved in the effort to help the Ursta’s home renovations and word began to spread through the community.
Maury Burgwin, president of the Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce, said he learned about the project while listening to the radio and decided to help.
Burgwin said he immediately called Griffin to ask what the chamber, and it’s extensive list of member business, could do to help.
From the toilets, to the roof, to the windows, the Ursta families dream home was recently completed.
Nick was taken to his home for the first time Friday night, where he and he wife settled in excited to watch the Steelers take on the Dolphins for the first time inside of their dream home on Monday night.
He died the following day, sending heartbreak through the community he served for so many years.
To offset funeral costs, an online Go Fund Me page is accepting donations at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1soekmq8io
In the past 24 hours it has surpassed its $10,000 goal and is still climbing.
Carrying on his legacy are his mother, Geraldine; his wife, Margaret; sisters, Missy Huey and Kimberly Mollard; and brothers, Randy and David.
For funeral information, see his obituary on page A4.
