George J. Sabanos Jr.

George J. Sabanos Jr., age 96, passed peacefully from this life at his residence in Houston on the morning of December 4, 2024, following an extended illness. He was born August 26, 1928, in Mocanaqua, PA, the second son of George J. Sr. and Zuzana Sabanos, who preceded him in death. He had two brothers, Michael (deceased) and Steve, who survived. George also had six step-siblings: Joseph, Magdelana, Mary, and Gisela (all deceased); Ann and Margeret, who survived.

George was married for 52 years to his loving wife, Madeline, who survived him. He is also survived by daughters Renee (Ronnie) Setliff, Pamela (Everett) Johnson, and Melinda (Brent) Scheps. He was preceded in death by his son, Bennie Cykala Jr.

He is also survived by twenty grandchildren Matthew (Gail) Setliff, Kyle (Lindsay) Setliff, Stephani (Josh) Gaines, Jason, Joshua (Jen) Shive, Brett (Caitlin) Cykala, Blake (Cortney) Cykala, Bradley (Veronica) Cykala, Taylor, Kelly, Spencer, Cameron (Lindsay) Scheps. And eighteen great-grandchildren Kegan, Tyson, Bentley, Ruger, Griffin, Presleigh, Tatum, Sloane, Whitley, Gavin, Jayden, Jetson, Stella, Matthew, Henery, Isabel, Carson and Lyla.

George served as a communications technician in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force from 1946-1950 in Japan and stateside in New Mexico and California. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Occupational Forces—Japan Medal, and an honorable discharge during his service.

George worked 47 years as a quality control inspector in the GrayLoc Division of Gray Tool Co—Houston. George was legendary with his flashy vans, shades of pink and purple style, jockey cap, and a 12" cigar, which he never left home without. Fishing was another lifelong passion for him and Madeline at their prior weekend residence in Port Alto, followed by a tasty fish fry. As season ticket holders, he and Madeline enjoyed their Sunday outing to the Astrodome to watch their beloved Houston Oilers. They continued as season ticket holders in NRG stadium and avid TEXANS fans. A second love of George and Madeline was the many casino trips to Viva Las Vegas or tour bus trips to the casinos in Lake Charles with their family and friends. George immensely enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations with all the kids, grandkids, and especially great-grandkids present.

George and Madeline were longtime faithful members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City. They regularly attended Holy Mass and were members of the Golden Friendship group.

A funeral mass for George will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1510 5th Street, Missouri City, TX 77489, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.