George Zainea

George Zainea January 14, 1932 - June 5, 2019 Resided in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan George Zainea passed away on the morning of June 5, 2019 at Ascension Saint Johns Hospital in Detroit with family by his side. He was born in Wayne County, Michigan on January 14, 1932 to Albert and Sarah (Lutfy) Zainea of Damascus, Syria. George is survived by his siblings, Joseph, Lorraine, and Yvonne, in addition to his 6 children, Diane (Curtis) Guyer, Dr. George (Theresa) Zainea, Dr. Mark (Suzanne) Zainea, Michael (Ann) Zainea, Albert (Jacqueline) Zainea, Anthony (Michelle) Zainea, his 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Sarah, and his siblings John and Marie. Also preceding his death was Theresa Zainea, his wife of 52 devoted years, who passed away on the evening of December 22, 2008 with George, her children, and her grandchildren beside her. Military Information: United States Army March 1952 - April 1954 - 20 years old when enlisted Georges Life and Legacy In the mid 1940s, the Zainea family purchased The Garden Bowl, which is now the oldest operating bowling alley in the country. Located on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, George was consistently present to oversee day-to-day operations. After the purchase of the bowling alley, brothers George and Joe, expanded their business ventures to lane resurfacing, bowling lane installation, and pro shop. George was actively involved in bowling throughout his life; it was his passion and undeniably his favorite sport. He was a supporter, a patient coach, and always the first to crack a bowling joke. George remained a skilled bowler into his 80s and was an active board member for the Old Timers Bowling Association of Greater Detroit. In 2007, he was inducted into the Detroit Bowling Hall of Fame as a result of his contributions to the local bowling industry, including his involvement in the design and establishment of the Detroit Bowling Hall of Fame exhibit at Thunderbowl Lanes. Furthering the Zainea business in Detroit, the brothers also established Detroit Bowling & Trophy in 1968 as a small bowling ball and trophy repair shop. George and Joe repaired and produced trophies in the basement of the shop and sold them on the main floor. As their business grew rapidly, additional space was essential for production and lead to the purchase of The Majestic Theatre. Working in pursuance of their passion, George and Joe continued to have a powerful, lasting impact on the bowling community within Detroit. Although he held a strong love for bowling, George always believed his family was the most important and cherishable aspect of his life. George lived for family gatherings surrounded by his children and grandchildren, along with endless plates of Syrian cuisine and laughs coming from every corner of the room. George once showed his granddaughter a picture of the entire family at Christmas and said, "Wealth is not determined by the number in your bank account, but by the love of your family and the mark you leave on others. I would say Im the wealthiest man in the world." MEMORIAL / FUNERAL / VISITATION INFORMATION Viewing arrangements have been made at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on Sunday, June 9 from 12:30 pm until 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Church, 29293 Lorraine Ave, Warren, MI 48093, on Monday, June 10 at 11:00 am. In state at 10:00am. Interment - Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Old Timers Youth Scholarship Fund 11327 Hemingway, Redford, MI 48239

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236