George Sari

George “Papa” Sari, 83, ended his long journey with dementia on May 22, 2026, at Burton Healthcare Center.

Born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, George moved to Euclid, Ohio as a young child and spent most of his life in the community he proudly called home. He lived in Euclid, Timberlake and Willowick over the years.

George was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He is survived by his children: George (Kathy) Sari; Tammy (Bob) Sari, widow of his late son Sean; and Michelle (Mike) Graf. He was a proud grandfather to Brandy (Ian) Huntington, Alex Sari, Cala (Nick) Burrington, Jessica Sari, Nicole (Patrick) Cosgrove, and Megan (Daniel) Roberts; great grandchildren Kailyn and Kilian Huntington, He was preceded in death by his son, Sean Sari, and granddaughter, Amanda Sari.

George is survived by his siblings Joan (Mike) Tangorra, Raymond (Delores - deceased) Sari, and Gerri (Jack) McCoy. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Velma Sari, and his sister, Carol Davis.

George was married to Joan (nee Lutkus) for 32 years, and although their marriage ended in divorce, they remained friends and shared a deep respect and connection.

A proud patriot, George served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966, with assignments at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Quantico. He was honored with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service during multiple armed conflicts, a National Defense Medal and awarded for good conduct.

George spent much of his career as a skilled machinist, working for Lincoln Electric, TRW, and Argo Tech. After retiring from factory work, he continued serving his community through the Euclid City Schools as a bus aide, where he formed many meaningful friendships, including a special bond with his dear friend, Peg.

In his younger years, George was an avid softball player, always enjoying the camaraderie and competition of the game. Later in life, he took up golf, where he proudly claimed his signature “power fade” sent the ball straight down the middle—at least according to him. Above all, George loved spending time with his family—playing bocce, shooting hoops in the backyard, and hosting cookouts filled with laughter and love.

George was a longtime member of American Legion Post 678 and an honorary member of the Riders, where he built lasting friendships and remained actively connected to his fellow veterans and community.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, in particular the geriatric neurology team that not only treated George but supported his caregivers in a very meaningful way allowing us to keep him in his home as long as possible. Once his care needs exceeded what his family could safely provide, Burton Healthcare Center and Traditions Hospice compassionately cared for George for the past three years. Forever the flirt, George had a special way of winning over the hearts of many who cared for him.

George will be remembered for his humor, his storytelling, his service to his country, and most of all, his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

George will be laid to rest with military honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio. His family will receive friends and family for a celebration of his life on July 17, 2026, at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th Street, Willowick, Ohio from 4:00-7:00 pm. 

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 29801 Lakeland Blvd, Wickliffe, OH 44092, assisted the family with arrangements. 

www.LakeErieCrematory.com