George John Antonich, 97, younger than his years, beloved husband of Lucia and son of John and Catherine Antonich died at Hospice of Port Orange on Friday, May 21, 2021. George was born in Manhattan, New York, on June 6, 1923. Upon graduating from George Washington High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy on November 9, 1942, for 3 years and 3 months. After training, he was transferred to various islands in the South Pacific. Eventually he was assigned to the USS Bunker Hill Air Craft Carrier Torpedo Squadron Eight as a Turret Gunner TBM.; He served a second tour on the USS Bennington with the VT Eight until the war’s end. Shortly after discharge from the Navy, he joined the Merchant Marines and worked for Grace Line Steamship Company as apprentice purser rising to Chief Purser for 11 years sailing to ports in the Caribbean and the West Coast of South America delivering passengers and cargo. George then settled in Daytona Beach in 1957 in the motel business for eight years and had two beautiful children, Elizabeth and Gregory. He co-created spring break in Daytona Beach. As his next endeavor, George became an independent building contractor. Later he and Charlie Barcelo formed the Red Carpet Development Corp. building single-family homes locally including Palm Coast. He was a past president of the Daytona Beach Home Builders Association, treasurer of the Seabreeze Kiwanis Club, life member of the Knights of Columbus and member of the Navy League and Aeries Member of the Eagles. George was the Founding President of the Daytona Beach Ski and Travel Club and snow-skiied until the age of 85. George was an accomplished athlete. In his younger years, he was an avid swimmer and member of the swim and dive teams, lacrosse team and ice hockey team. His hobbies included skiing, learning at the age of 12, ski instructor, painting, making gifts of stained glass for his family, reading and dancing. On June 18, 1987, George married Lucia creating their loving blended family. On October 3, 2009, he was privileged to accompany 190 WWII and other veterans to Washington DC, compliments of the Deland Rotary Club-Volusia Honors Air Flight Program. For many years, he helped feed the homeless and helped the food pantry of Epiphany Church. George is survived by his loving wife Lucia, six children and nine grandchildren, Daughter, Elizabeth Shoemaker (Carl), Ormond Beach, Son, Gregory Antonich, Ormond Beach; Leanne Burbank (William) Delray Beach, Mark Mathews (Lisa) Tampa, Wayne Mathews (Kelley) Sanford and pre-deceased by Edmund Owen Mathews III. George was lovingly called “Papa” by his nine grandchildren, Alexis, Catherine, Spencer, Alexandra, Harrison, Savannah, Emily, Davis and Abby. George is also survived by his loving brother, Jack Antonich (Audrey) Glastonbury, CT, two nephews, and one niece, Christopher, Corey and Kenny.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette Street, Port Orange on Monday, June 14, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 320 White St., Daytona Beach, where the US Navy will hold military honors.
In Lieu of Flowers, please make a donation to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange 32129. Arrangements are in the care and trust of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Port Orange.
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Halifax Health Hospice3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129
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