Elias Louis George Obituary (1925 - 2005)

Waterville Elias Louis George, 80, of Waterville died Mon. Apr. 11, 2005 in his home. He was born in Waterville Feb. 6, 1925, the son of Simon and Lottie John George. He was educated in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School. He married Gabrielle Trepanier Sept. 3, 1950. Together they raised five daughters and shared nearly 55 years in a close, loving marriage. Elias was a WW II veteran in the 27th Field Hospital of the U.S. Army. He served his country in the China, Burma, India Theater as well as in the African Theater. He was awarded the bronze star for heroic actions and achievement under fire. As a young man, Elias worked at Joseph's Market in Waterville then later as a meat cutter for Bi-Rite Meat Market. In 1958, Elias joined his brother Tom in the family bakery business that their parents had started. ''Sittoo Georges'' grew to hold a state-wide reputation and later became known for its great Lebanese food as well. Elias and Tom had a special and unique partnership. They with their wives Gabby and Ida worked alongside the brothers' parents. The business which lasted for over 40 years grew and changed; and their later years were spent running ''Sittoo Georges Restaurant and Catering'' with the help of the families' nine daughers. Loyal customers always enjoyed Elias' specialized cuisine and gracious hospitality. Elias was a communicant of St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church and a member of the Lebanon Youth Club, the Waterville Lodge of Elks, the Bourque-Lanigan Post American Legion of Waterville and the McCrillis Rousseau Post Veterans of Foreign Wars of Winslow. He enjoyed spending time at his camp on North Pond with his family, cooking for all, fishing, boating, gardening and playing cards with his friends. He was the undefeated arm wrestling champion amongst his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Gabrielle, five daughters, Carol George of Winslow, Colleen George and her partner Piper Foreso of North Hampton, MA., Debra Coffill and her husband Joseph of Lawrence, MA., Charlene George of Waltham, MA. and Sharon Walsh and her husband Brian of Westbrook, ME.; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Joseph, Emily and Stephanie Coffill of Lawrence, MA and Maryellen, Patrick, and Kathryn Walsh of Westbrook, ME.; his sister-in-law, Ida Karter George and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Thomas George; four sisters, Amelia Azar, Nimnoom Ghaphery, Emma Peters and Rita John. Friends and relatives may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wed., Apr. 13th at the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. At 3 P.M. veterans may meet for an American Legion wake service, at 7 p.m. will be the Lodge of Elks service and at 8 p.m. a Maronite Wake Service will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thurs., Apr. 14th at St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church, Front St., Waterville with Rev. Samuel Najjar officiating and Rev. Mr. Peter Joseph assisting. Military Honors and Committal Prayers will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Maine Veterans' Home, Attn: Kathy Chase, 310 Cony Rd., Augusta, ME 04330 or to St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton St., Waterville, ME 04901. Condolences may be expressed at www.gallantfh.com