George Hermanovich III

George Hermanovich III, 69, of Jessup, died Thursday after a long and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He died with his wife by his side. She is the former Renee Smiegal; they were married for 29 years.

Born in Mayfield, son of the late George and Anna Sweder Hermanovich, he was raised in Mayfield and lived most of his adulthood in the Poconos. He was a member of the 109th Infantry, Carbondale, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Stroudsburg, where he proudly owned a hobby shop. He worked for S.L. Sommers and the Rank Organization. He and his wife were asked to work in Texas and Washington.

He made many laugh with his quirky names for things and was sometimes the life of the party, for example, when he would lead everyone in the "Cha Cha" when there was a touchdown. He loved golf and felt honored to play a round in a Pro-Am with Fred Couples. He was a member of the Jessup Rod and Gun Club and also loved traveling, boating, fishing, hunting and football. He was awarded the opportunity through his friend, Jeff Cavanaugh, to have a sideline pass for the Green Bay Packers and an opportunity to see, as George would say, "all the whistles and bells" that go along with that field pass. He also had the honor of meeting the great Vince Lombardi, coincidentally, at the airport. Vince was also on his way to the game to sign autographs.

A special thanks to Dr. Abdala Sholi, his oncologist, the entire chemotherapy lab, hospitalist, nurses, aides and all who cared for George at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

He is also survived by his daughters, Leigh Hermanovich, Florida; and Marisa Hermanovich Driebe and her husband, David, both formerly of Stroudsburg; the girls' mother, Darlene Beaudry; his loving mother-in-law, Margaret Marcinko Smiegal; brother-in-law, Joseph Smiegal Jr.; a niece, Jamie Smiegal Ofcharsky and husband, Ryan; nephews, Joseph and Michael Smiegal; and a special cousin, Katherine Jerin and husband, Joseph, with whom he loved all.

He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Joseph Smiegal; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

The funeral will be Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Harrison Funeral Home, 374 N. Main St., Archbald, with the Rev. Mitred Archpriest John Sorochka celebrating. Interment will be in Valley View Memorial Park, Montdale. Friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Parastas will be at 5.