George DiSabato

George L. Di Sabato, 87, of New Philadelphia passed away September 18, 2025.

Born July 8, 1938, at home in Waynesburg to parents George J. and Laurena (Battista) Di Sabato. George was a 1956 graduate of Sandy Valley High School; he graduated from Ohio State in 1961 with a BFA in Painting; and from the University of Louisville in 1964 with an MA. At OSU, he was a member of Alpha Phi Delta, a fraternity for students of Italian Heritage.

In 1964 he moved to New York and started working as a graphic designer. Here he met a Sandy Valley alum, Judith Provance – they were engaged within weeks, married in a few months, and shared 57 years of marriage. He spent the rest of the 60s and 70s as a freelance designer, painter, and sometimes teacher. He was part-owner of a design firm, "Ahia." He thrived in this community of painters, sculptors, actors, and musicians. He loved going to galleries and listening to jazz.

In 1980, with three children, they moved back to Waynesburg. George started teaching at Mount Union and then was hired full-time teaching Commercial Art at the University of Akron. He spent time serving on Waynesburg Village Council, Sandy Valley Board of Education, as well as numerous committees at Akron. After moving to New Philly, he retired in 2007. He always had a studio and continued painting.

He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Lara. He is survived by his wife Judi, children Micah (Joia Crago), George Casey, and Simone (Christopher) Hoover; his adoring grandchildren Dr. Xavier (Dr. Amanda), Luca, Giovanni, and Aria Di Sabato, and Nadia Hoover; great-grandchildren Mia and George K. Di Sabato; sister, Delena Di Sabato, nephew Rodrico (Andrea) Solomon, and niece Lisa Hines. He is also survived by his cousins on the Battista side.

George was proud of his Italian heritage. He was proud to have trained as an Abstract Expressionist, and he worried that his technique would be forgotten. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and students. He was proud to have taught in a community & technical college so everyone could work in the arts.

A Celebration of Life has taken place. To honor his legacy, his family asks for you to patronize the arts! Please buy something you love and support an artist in your community. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)866-9425