George Zivan

George was born on March 6, 1945, in Vladimirovac, Yugoslavia, to Ion and Maria Zivan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Lucian.

In 1967, George married the love of his life, Doina, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six decades. In 1970, George and Doina, along with their eldest daughter, Dorina emigrated to the United States. While in New York, his daughter, Mary and son Danny were born. George relocated his family to Arizona in 1979, where he built a life of purpose, hard work, and deep community roots.

George enjoyed a dedicated career in the grocery industry, working as a butcher and eventually advancing to the role of Meat Manager at Safeway — a position that reflected both his dedication to his craft and his tireless work ethic.

Beyond his professional life, George’s passion was his faith and his community. He was an active member, parish council leader, and founder of St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church. He played an instrumental role in the construction of the church hall and later the building of the first Romanian Orthodox Church in the state of Arizona — a lasting testament to his dedication and vision. George was also a driving force behind the establishment of the Arizona Romanian American Festival, ensuring that Romanian heritage and culture would be celebrated and preserved for generations to come.

In his personal time, George found joy in family gatherings, tending to his garden, preparing traditional meats for special occasions, games of chess with his grandchildren, and cheering on his beloved Phoenix Suns.

George is survived by his devoted wife, Doina; his daughter Dorina and son-in-law Jon; his daughter Mary and son-in-law Jason; his son Danny and his fiancée Jess; his granddaughter Ilyssa and grandson-in-law Austin and great-grandchild Luka; his grandson Marcel and his girlfriend Danielle, grandchildren Audrey, Michael, Jacob, Jaxon, and Jayde, and brother-in-law Petar and his wife Missy.

George Zivan’s legacy is one of faith, perseverance, cultural pride, and unconditional love for his family. He will be deeply missed and long remembered.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Visitation will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, US, on April 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, US, on April 29, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, US, on April 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.