Elias J. George, 75, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Friday, December, 20, 2024, at his daughter's home in Atlanta, Ga.

He was born July 17, 1949, in Uniontown, to the late Elias J. and Mabel (Elias) George.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sadie George; niece, Lisa Ozanick; and two brother-in-laws, George Kaiser and Kenneth Oberleitner. Friends and family knew him as Eli.

Despite his humble beginnings, Eli was proud of his Lebanese heritage and worked hard to advance in his schooling and career. He had a brilliant mind and was passionate about the sciences and environment. He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1967 and went on to obtain degrees in Chemistry and Engineering from California State College and two master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in Energy Resources and Civil/Environmental Engineering. He remained an avid fan of the Pitt Panthers for years to come.

Eli worked for U.S. Steel, went on to teach Chemistry to nursing students, and eventually retired from the United States Department of Energy after 30 years of service, where he worked as the Environmental Branch Chief. He loved his co-workers and developed many life-long friendships there.

Eli was a devout husband and father. He spent his free time with his wife, kids, brother and sisters, nieces and nephews and cousins, never missing an event no matter how big or small. Not only was he always there for his children, but he went out of his way to be there for his nieces and nephews as well. Eli always gave back to his community in any way he could, including coaching youth sports like the St. George Dragons basketball team.  He made an immeasurable impact on all the kids he helped over the years, many thinking of him as a second father.

One of his favorite hobbies was watching Liz, Eli, and all their friends, as well as his nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and cousins at their games, sporting events, performances and concerts. Eli also loved watching any and all college sports with his son and binge-watching the latest Netflix series with his son-in-law. He loved his lunch dates with his daughter-in-law. His most frequent spectator sport, however, was watching his wife and daughter shop and spend his money. Eli could always be spotted around town having lunch with his brother and sisters or at home watching the Young and the Restless with them.  When visiting Maryland he enjoyed sharing his grandchildren with the Snyder family. When in Atlanta, he loved traveling and hanging out with the Shah family.  Eli and his wife were inseparable, best buddies, where you saw one, you saw the other.

Eli was passionate about all things Lebanese. At any given time, he could tell you what celebrities were Lebanese, or even part-Lebanese. He absolutely loved Lebanese food - mishi (grape vine leaves) and kibee were his favorites.

Eli had a deep commitment to God and the Maronite faith. He never missed a mass, fervently prayed his rosary to the Blessed Mother, and wore his St. Charbel medal every day. He was an active, life-long member of St. George Maronite Catholic Church and participated as a lector and in the men's group.

What Eli cherished most of all was his time with his grandchildren, serving as the best Ghidee anyone could ask for. Sophia and Noah were the light of his life. He also loved spending time with his great nieces and nephews, Nevaeh, Prestin, Darren, Abby, Rhylan, Bryce and Breelyn – always making time for them.

Eli is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Beverly (Oberleitner) George of Uniontown; daughter, Liz and husband Parag of Atlanta, GA; son, Elias and wife Heather of Gambrills, MD; two grandchildren, Sophia and Noah; three siblings, Vickie Kaiser, Joseph George, and Mabel Howard and husband Phillip; a sister-in-law, Polly Ozanick and husband Kenny; sister-in-law, Patricia Oberleitner; and nieces and nephews, David Kaiser and wife Kristen, Beth Angle and husband Gerald, Phillip Howard and wife Elizabeth, Matthew Howard, April Rishel and husband Kevin, and Ryan Oberleitner.

Visitation for Eli will be held at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext., Uniontown, PA 15401 on Friday, December 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 10 AM at St. George Maronite Church, 6 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, PA 15401 with Father Aaron Sandbothe officiating.

Interment is in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

Your personal written tributes and memories are welcome and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com