Dr. George Sanom

1931 - 2025

Dr. George Albert Sanom was born on December 12, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Mary and Albert Sanom. As the fourth child born during the Great Depression to immigrant parents, young George found things close to home to occupy himself. He loved his vegetable gardens, raising animals like rabbits and chickens, and working at his parents' convenience store. He graduated high school at 17 and enjoyed being a camp counselor during the summers while he worked towards his undergraduate at Wayne State University. He continued his higher education at the University of Michigan and graduated medical school at the age of 25. George served our great nation as a Captain in the United States Air Force for three years as a flight surgeon.

The military made it possible to travel to places like Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Las Vegas, one of his favorites. After his service, he relocated to Fresno, California in 1964 and completed his residency at Community Hospital under the direction of Dr. Frank Unguez. In 1964, George traveled back home to Detroit for his sister's wedding, where a beautiful young lady by the name of Sylvia Gazoul caught his eye. George and Sylvia were engaged the following year and married on August 13, 1966. Their honeymoon was a cross country trip to start their life together in sunny California, a memory they both fondly referred to often. Their marriage was blessed with their first child, a son, in December 1967, quickly followed a year later by a daughter. They went on to have two more sons, to complete their family.

Though his military service was past, George held onto his love for travel, and he and Sylvia would often load up their family in their station wagon to experience the wonders of California. Their adventures took them to places like Yosemite, Santa Cruz, Sequoia National Park, Magic Mountain, and other regional delights. As the family grew older and their children got married, their favorite mode of vacation became family cruises-the road trip of the sea! Eventually, George and Sylvia had the pleasure of having their grandchildren, and, in most recent years, great grandchildren, join them. These trips encompassed some of the most precious family times, and it is a tradition that his family will carry on in love.

As a devoted father, he managed to arrange his private practice in such a way that allowed him to be involved in his children's lives. What an amazing blessing that he was often the only father able to attend sporting events and extra curricular activities. George had a passion for cooking and loved to go to downtown Fresno to the farmers market and fish market on Saturdays to buy the best and freshest for his family. He passed this passion on to his children and grandchildren, with the latter fondly remembering making beignets with Giddu during every visit, and enjoying home cooked favorites like Syrian foods, BBQ, mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets. He showed his love through his cooking, and by passing down cherished family recipes his family will continue to experience that love for many years. George was the King of "Dad jokes," which matured into "Giddu (Grandpa) Jokes," that get more and more funny with each fond retelling. Some of his other passions included working with stained glass to create chandeliers and other artistic treasures; watching game shows; couponing; a HOT Craps table; and playing cards of any kind.

George fell asleep in the Lord September 21, 2025. George's death is preceded by his beloved Sylvia, and his family is very grateful that they are at eternal rest in God's kingdom, together. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Foxworthy, his four children, Greg and wife Kacey, Lynne and husband Rudy, Brian, Daniel and wife Kori; his 10 grandchildren, Abigayle and husband Jasir, Analyse and husband Stephen, Christopher, Zachary, Kaeden, Paige, JackQuin, Owen, Evan, Kenzie; and great grandchildren Esther, Phoebe and Taha.

Funeral Service will occur on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Anglican Church, 5073 N. Palm Ave. Fresno, CA 93704. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Valley Children's Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Sanom Family.