MAROUN J. GEORGE

BANGOR – Maroun J. George, 94, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed peacefully into the arms of God Friday, Oct. 24, 2008. He was the heart and gentle strength of his family. An irreplaceable treasure, he will be missed more than words can express. His family was his first priority and he expressed this in countless loving ways, whether painting through a house, going to school functions and recitals, taking grandchildren to nursery school and doctors’ appointments or by simply listening or giving his wise advise. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who treasured his family and was in turn cherished by them. Family gatherings were his joy; his love was unconditional. Maroun was born Aug. 17, 1914, in Fort Kent, the son of William and Laura Hadaad George. The family later moved to Bangor, where Maroun attended St. John’s Catholic Grammar School and John Bapst High School. Later Maroun met his much-loved wife, Anne Corey George. They were happily married for 64 years until her death in 1996. Their lives together were always centered in a steadfast faith, which sustained them. Maroun faithfully attended daily Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph Hospital Chapel, until he was unable due to ill health. In his professional life, Maroun was a highly respected footwear industry executive, well known throughout Maine and New England. He was vice president and general manager of Bangor Shoe Manufacturing Co., for 30 years, as well as co-owner of Newport Shoe Co., Newport. Maroun was a lifetime fourth degree Knight in the Pine Cone Council, Knights of Columbus, serving on the first building committee for the current Knights of Columbus Hall in Bangor. Maroun was also a life member of the 210 Associates, a philanthropic foundation of the shoe and leather industry, a member of New England Shoe Foremen and Superintendents Association, and regional director of New England Shoe Manufacturers Association. He also served on one of the first committees for training shoe workers, successfully acquiring a federal grant. Maroun was also elected New England Shoeman of the Year by New England Shoe Foremen and Superintendents Association, a distinction he valued highly because it was given by his peers. Maroun is survived by his four children, William E. George, Mary Ann George, Louis J. George and Jo-Anne George McCarty and her husband, Michael. Maroun is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all affectionately called him “Ghiddo.” They were the light of his life. They include grandchildren, Jacqueline Dodd, Alana George Jandreau and her husband, Donnie, William M. George and his wife, Sherry, Christopher M. McCarty, Michael M. McCarty, Anne Marie George Stover and her husband, Jeremy and Lorraine George Bosse and her husband, Peter; and great-grandchildren, Kristina Dugan, Michelle Dodd and Matthew M. George. Maroun is also survived by his sister, Ida George Delaney; brother, Avon George and his wife, Fern; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Maroun was predeceased by his wife and best friend, Anne Corey George; his sisters, Zerepha George Jones and Regina George Reiner; brothers, Albert and Fouad “Fred” George; daughter-in-law, Susanne George; and infant great-grandson, Nathan George. Maroun was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Bangor. At his request, there will be no visiting hours. There will be a Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m. Monday at St. John’s Catholic Church. A reception will be after at the church hall. Burial will be in the family lot at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402-1638 or St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor, ME 04401, these organizations were very dear to his heart. Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Directors, Bangor.