George Edward Kaibas, Farrell, passed away peacefully with loving family at his side from a chronic respiratory condition at 1:37 p.m. Friday (12-4-09), in Select Specialty Hospital, Boardman, Ohio. He was 71.

Mr. Kaibas was born on November 1, 1938 in Farrell to Julius and Elizabeth Zimmerman Kaibas.

A lifelong area resident, George graduated from Farrell High School and attended Youngstown State University.

After 20 years, he retired from the engineering division at GATX, Masury. Post retirement, he worked in sales at Calvert Lumber until 2001.

As a veteran of the United States Navy, he was honorably discharged having served aboard the USS Saratoga.

George was a devoted member and church leader at Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Hermitage. He served as past president of the church council and in other leadership roles. He previously served as a school board director for the Sharon School District. He was also a long-serving member and officer of the German Home, Farrell and served on the board of directors for the Farrell Redevelopment Authority. He was an active volunteer in youth group activities with his children.

He enjoyed a good round of golf, painting artwork, daily devotions, and above all spending time with his family who will sadly miss him.

He is survived by his wife Violet Ciora Sucin, whom he married on May 18, 1968.

He is also survived by his two sons, George Rock and his wife Sandy, Columbiana, Ohio; John Sucin and his wife Mary, Greenville, SC; his daughter, Susan Sucin Barnish and her husband James, Tampa, FL; his sister, Ursula Goda and husband John, Wheatland; his two brothers, John Timothy Kaibas, Sharpsville, and James Kaibas and his wife Judy, Hermitage; his four grandsons, Matthew Barnish, Adam Rock, Toma and Ian Sucin; his brother-in-law, Lee Ciora, Sharon; his sister-in-law, Molly Ciora Resch and her husband James, Tampa, FL. He also leaves ten loving nieces and nephews and twelve great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister Lilibeth.

Special acknowledgement and thanks are extended to the caring and attentive staff in the Critical Care Unit at UPMC Horizon in Farrell and Select Specialty Hospital in Boardman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George's memory to the Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 950 Maple Drive, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (12-7-09) in Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 950 Maple Drive, Hermitage, A wake service will follow visitation on Monday evening at 7 p.m.

Calling hours also Tuesday (12-8-09) from 9:30 until Funeral Service

Services: Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the church with Rev. Fr. Calinic Berger, officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.