George Frederick Zigas

2023 at age 85.

George was born September 25, 1938 in Detroit to George and Louise Zigas. From a

young age, George loved the city of Detroit, and attended Southeastern High School on

the city’s east side. At age 18, he joined the United States Navy and served for two

years. Upon his return, he settled in Grosse Pointe Woods to start a family and went to

work in sales at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for over 30 years.

George had many interests and was known to get deeply engrossed in something and

learn everything about it. He was a voracious reader, a wine aficionado, a talented

drummer, a huge sports fan (specifically football and boxing), and a lover of playing

pool, riding his Harley Davidson, and good Italian food. George was known for his

quick wit, his great sense of humor, and his charitable spirit. He enjoyed his years of

volunteering with the Detroit Public Schools reading to children. He always had a good

joke or a funny story to share, or just a big bear hug when you needed it. George was

smart, handsome, loving, and a good man.

George was beloved by many, including his daughter Tracy Schatko, his sons in law

Keith Schatko and Bill Leavy, and his granddaughter Samantha Schatko. George is

predeceased by his dear daughter, Leticia Leavy. He also leaves behind his

cherished sister Loretta Altobelli, nephews Peter Altobelli (Dawn) and Paul Altobelli

(Lisa), and dear friend Martha Miller. He was loved and supported deeply by his

confidant, Jamesetta Fox, and his beloved friends and neighbors. George was involved

in his church, St. Charles of Borromeo, and leaves behind many loving souls he met

there.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, November 11, 2023 at St. Charles of

Borromeo, 1491 Baldwin St., Detroit, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St.

Charles of Borromeo, or George’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital

(https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html)