George A. Germak

     Mr. George A. Germak, 87, a well-known and respected retired educator of Forty-Fort, fell asleep in the Lord Wednesday, the evening of June 14th, 2023 in Allied Services Rehabilitation, Scranton, following a recent illness.

     Born Tuesday, September 3, 1935 in Edwardsville, he was the youngest of eleven children to the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Janosov) Germak. 

     Mr. Germak began his education in the Edwardsville public schools, later attending Wyoming Seminary.  He furthered his education toward his career by attending King's College, Wilkes-Barre; the University of Scranton; Saint Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, N.Y.; the Pennsylvania State University; Oxford University, United Kingdom and the New York School of Interior Design.

     Mr. Germak initiated his career in education as a teacher of English and Latin in New Jersey.  He later returned to his familial roots, taking employment with the former Kingston High School prior to its jointure with eight other school districts to become Wyoming Valley West School District.  It was from here he would ultimately retire after thirty-six years of dedication as an instructor.

     Professionally, Mr. Germak held membership in several teaching organizations.  Fraternally, he was a lifetime member of the Edwardsville Slovak Catholic Sokol, where he previously served as financial secretary of Assembly #71.  He also was a member of the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the North End Slovak Citizens' Club, Wilkes-Barre.

     Dedicated to his Catholic faith, Mr. Germak previously was a member of the former Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovak Roman Catholic Church in Edwardsville prior to its closure.  He later joined the church of his beloved maternal heritage, Saint Mary Pokrov Byzantine Catholic Church in Kingston until his passing.

     Seeing the need to recognize the academic achievements of his students, he asked for permission to organize the first chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at the middle school.  He then started the first yearbook - The Spartan Spirit.  His students worked enthusiastically after school to publish some outstanding yearbooks.  He retired from professional duties in 1996.  Mr. Germak found in challenging and enlightening young minds in the subjects of grammar, speech, composition, literary appreciation and Latin to be his true vocation.  He was a true gentleman; a man of deep faith; quiet dignity; resilience, having a great strength of character. 

     He will be remembered for his dedication to his teaching and to scholarship.  Many people pass through life without leaving much of a footprint; but George touched the lives of so many and will be leaving a legacy for his family, his friends, and his students to cherish for many years to come.  Mr. Germak was a very highly regarded and well-respected educator during his entire career.

     He was preceded in death by sisters and brothers including Mrs. Anne J. Gatcha, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Backiel, Mrs. Margaret A. Novak, Mrs. Helen Sroba ; Andrew J., John J., Stephen G., Michael J. and Joseph P. Germak.    

     Following the untimely death of his parents, he and his siblings were raised by their sister Anne and her husband Albert Gatcha.  

     Left to cherish his memory are sister, , Mrs. Mary Brun of Daytona Beach, Florida; Numerous nieces, nephews, including Elizabeth Anne Jackson of North Carolina;  Godchildren, Mary Backiel Oplinger, Mountain Top; Paul Michalov, London, England; Milos Michalov, Czech Republic; Peter Michalov, Slovakia.  Additionally, he leaves behind thousands of students whom he had taught; his dear and caring friends, Dottie Powers, Mary and John Ermel, Corinne and Ray Zavada, Regina Bozentka, Thea Escarge and many wonderful colleagues. 

     Funeral services with Panachida for Mr. Germak will be conducted on Wednesday, June 21st at 10:00 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home, 625 North Main Street, followed by the Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Mary Pokrov Byzantine Catholic Church, 321 Chestnut Avenue, Kingston.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the family lot of the parish cemetery, Pringle.  The Reverend Father Mykhaylo Prodanets, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist, and his son, Mr. Stepan Prodanets will serve as cantor.

     Relatives and friends may join Mr. Germak's family for visitation and shared remembrances Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  A Great Panachida service will be conducted there at 6:30 p.m. with Father Prodanets officiating.

     In lieu of floral tributes, it was Mr. Germak's previous request that those wishing to send a monetary gift in his memory, kindly give consideration to the George A. Germak Scholarship Fund at King's College, 133 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.       “Blažennyj Pokoj. Vičnaju Pamjat!”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George A. Germak, please visit our floral store.