George Rogoveanu was born on August 17, 1952 in Romania to Ioan and Elena Rogoveanu. He was raised with a younger brother, Valentin. George’s parents became a part of an underground church in Romania when he was an adolescent and he was drawn to the experience that had seemingly changed his parents’ lives and hearts. They were among the first Christians in their village despite the hostility that believers suffered in Communist Romania and eventually made his way to America in 1983.
Following school, George met Florica Popii. The two were married in 1974 and had ten children: Daniel, Samuel, Emanuel, Maria, Lidia, David, Benjamin, George Joseph, Monica and John. They were also blessed with 23 grandchildren.
George enjoyed many things and was full of life and energy. He loved building and handiwork and everyone he knew also knew who to go to with projects or creations. He also loved the outdoors including hunting, fishing, daily walks through the neighborhood, gardening and barbeques among the many great joys he took in living life. He was loving, forgave quickly, and above all, he loved a good laugh. He was a people person and made friends everywhere he went.
Two years ago George was diagnosed with congestive heart failure but a year later he proclaimed to his church and community that God has healed his heart. Although his doctors disagreed, anyone who spent time with him in the last year felt his contagious spirit and a renewed fervor for life. It was evident that God had healed his spiritual heart. He cherished every moment until he took his last breath.
George was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florica who passed away in 2010; his father, Ioan; mother, Elena and one grandchild, Naomi Grace. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, brother and his wife Maria. He will forever be remembered for his charisma, hard work, and sense of humor.
The following poem sums up the yearning in his heart that grew especially strong in recent time:
Lipește-mi, Doamne, sufletul de Tine
mai mult ca floarea veșnică de stânci,
să uit de ani, de lume și de mine
privind adânc în ochii Tăi adânci.
Lipește-mi, Doamne, sufletul de Tine
din visul meu să nu mă mai deștept,
să simt și slava zărilor senine
și inima de om ce-mi bate-n piept.
Lipește-mi, Doamne, sufletul de Tine
ca pe-o ființă smulsă de la greu;
ridică-mă din valea de suspine
și ascunde-mă cu Tine-n Dumnezeu.
-Costache Ioanid
"Teach us, Good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to strive and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing we do Thy will."
This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life.
Psalm 119:50
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