George Richard Onusko

George Onusko passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. He had just turned 82 years old.

George built his life around his beloved wife of almost 61 years, Judy (Tithof), with whom he raised four children, Brian (Teresa), Renee' McKarge (Jason), Beth Savalox (Erik) and Mark (Kelly). He doted on eight grandchildren as Papa to Gunnar (Emily), Ella (PJ), Amanda (Mitchell), Tyler (Ashlyn), Patrick, Marissa (Brendan), Abby and Julianna and relished two great-grandchildren, Dmitri and Mallory.

He and Judy kept homes in Plymouth, MI and Sebring, FL, where Papa always had a pool for the grandkids, a golf course nearby, a recliner from which to hold court, and another seat at the table for company. Many knew George as the unofficial mayor of Country Club Villas where he could be seen on his corner lanai welcoming any passersby with his signature, "Top of the day!" greeting and a wave.

Raised in Plymouth, MI by his parents George and Jenny with his two sisters (Pat and Bonnie). George's unconventional-yet surprisingly effective-ways revealed themselves early: he would rather work his paper route, play baseball or build forts than go to school (he claimed to "barely" graduate from Plymouth High School in 1960). His first date with Judy was an invitation to work the 1961 New Year's Eve midnight shift with him at the pizza parlor when someone called in sick.

Married on February 1, 1964 George and Judy bought their first home on Grindley Park in Dearborn because it was along the bus route, as they only had one car. There, all four children were born; George became the youngest builder in the State of Michigan at 25, started two businesses (Dania Building and Artic Window); and established lifelong friendships as a builder.

George wore many hats: husband, father/in-law, brother/in-law, uncle, landlord, entrepreneur, K of C Hall member, golf partner, and gambling/bowling/travel buddy. While busy chasing contracts building garages, he always prioritized travel with his family, nightly dinners, and holding court with a cigarette in the custom-built kitchen booth and table where any teen or neighborhood friend was welcome for another meal and unusual advice ("You can't con a con," for example).

In mid-life, George and Judy moved back to Plymouth, married off their children, became grandparents and split time between Florida and Michigan while traveling the world for (mis)adventures aboard transatlantic cruise ships (where he received three of his eventual 31 heart stents in Naples, Italy), and traveling in a buddy's 40-foot motor-home while "hanging over the edge" of a 5000 foot cliff in Alaska. George loved life. Much of his time revolved around showing up (either for tee times or his grandkids): he loved the camaraderie of golf and at 70 once took the outfield for Bob's softball team. George bet on anything ("You're pressed"); built his community in Sebring by recruiting all his friends to move there; and never missed a grandchild's first day of school, baseball game, swim meet, choir concert, or school play when in town.

George lived life by his own design: he usually gambled "the hard way," yet was the steadfast patriarch of a tightly-knit family; he always collected (bets or rent), but extended much grace; he often dressed in a bathing suit, but couldn't swim; he always made an appearance, yet didn't much care about appearances; he dedicated countless hours to golf, yet never made the elusive hole-in-one.

George was adored by many and will leave a gaping hole in the lives of those he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents (George and Genevieve) and sisters (Patricia and Bonnie).

He will be memorialized in Michigan on February 15 at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church. Visitation begins at 10:30am, service begins at Noon, and luncheon will follow the service at Club Venetian in Madison Heights.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at SJ5K.org, a student-led charity to help local families in need.