George S. Sims, 85, of Sunbury, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
He was born March 12, 1929, in Ranshaw, a son of the late Stanley Smerroski and Kathryn Novich (Smerroski). He was married on June 2, 1956, to the former Eleanor Oszko, his beloved who preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 1997. George was also preceded by his sisters, Mary Cel Flynn and Dorothy Williams.
Surviving are his sister Marcella Hombosky and brother Casper Smerroski and wife Dolly; his six children, John Sims, wife Margaret, Lisa Engle, husband David, Janice, husband Ralph Bailets, George M. Sims, Kathleen Bird, Eleanor Sims; three grandchildren, Timothy Bird, Alden Sims and Madeline Sims; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Betty Thomas.
George attended Coal Township High School, graduating in 1948. He went on to attend John Hopkins University and graduated in x-ray technology. He served as an x-ray and lab technician in the Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953.
He was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Bristol Myers for 22 years.
George was dedicated to St. Monica Church (St. Michael Archangel), Sunbury, serving over the years in many capacities including Extra Ordinary Minister, Sunday collection counter, and Diocese Lenten Appeal. He was a scout master for Boy Scout Troop 304 at St. Michaels and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, life member of the Brady Fire Company, VFW Post 2110 of Mount Carmel, and the American Legion 201, of Sunbury. He also volunteered at Mountain View Manor and the residents looked forward to seeing George and his candy cart every week.
One of George’s greatest loves was dancing, everything from ballroom to Polka and you may have seen him on Polka Time on WVIA. He was proud of his Polish heritage. George enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends, especially summer vacations. As the family photographer, he always had his camera in hand on every occasion. He stayed a loyal Phillies fan through thick and thin. Storytelling was one of his special talents which friends and family enjoyed. He was friendly and generous and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 395 State St., Sunbury with the Rosary taking place at 8, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday. Due to renovations at St. Monica Church, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Elysburg. Military honors will accorded at grave site in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to The Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a new health lodge at Camp Karoondinha, 815 Northway Road, Williamsport, PA 17701, or Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging, 2154 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, PA 17866.
