George Shaker

George Shaker passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by family and listening to the poetic wisdom of Khalil Gibran and the beautiful melodies of Fairuz, his favorite Lebanese musician - a peaceful reflection of a life well lived.
George is survived by his dear wife, Marie DiFranco Shaker; his children, Anthony Shaker (Kelly), Georgette Shaker Rech (Michael), Daniel Shaker (Sheri), and Dr. Maria Shaker (Benjamin). His grandchildren brought him the greatest joy – Nathan Shaker, Evalina and Luke Rech, Abigail and Mason Shaker, and Emira Rose Greggor.
He deeply loved his siblings, Dr. Issam J. Shaker (Judy), Mary Shaker Sabath (Edward), and Jeanette Shaker Zarzour (Gary). George held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, loving them like his own. George is also survived by many beloved relatives locally and globally; he had a special gift for staying connected with his family. He was preceded in death by his baby brother Antoine; mother Nahil; father Elias; and stepmother Seham (nee Zammar).
Born Nazih Shaker to Nahil and Elias in Aitaneet, Lebanon, on June 12, 1940, George was the eldest of five children. After spending his youth in Lebanon, George accompanied his mother and siblings on a six-week, trans-Atlantic journey aboard the Saturnia to join his father, who was already in America. Landing in New York in January 1958, they drove to Cleveland, Ohio, where they would build their new life in pursuit of the American Dream.
George attended Lakewood High School and worked in a variety of manual labor jobs. Fate would take him to Standard Knitting Mill, where he met the love of his life, Marie DiFranco. They married on September 7, 1964, and for 61 years, they devoted their lives to hard work and lovingly building their family. George's work ethic, shaped by his immigrant roots and his deep pride as a naturalized American citizen, became a guiding force for his family.
In the mid 1960s, George opened Shaker's Hitching Post, a respected service station that specialized in custom-built trailer hitches. It quickly became a cornerstone of the Lakewood community. From the corner of Bunts and Detroit, George built not only a thriving business but also fostered lifelong friendships. He took pride in his craft of hitch installation, attending conventions and trade shows to share his passion and expertise. Shaker's Hitching Post was also a proud sponsor of local youth baseball, with many teams sporting its name across their jerseys - including those of his sons, Anthony and Daniel. The teams won multiple state championships in Hotstove Baseball in the early 1980s.
He was happiest surrounded by his family and friends. Family gatherings were lively – filled with laughter, storytelling, and far too much food. In retirement, he mastered the culinary art of Lebanese cuisine, frequently showcasing his signature dishes of tenderly grilled shish-kabob, perfectly cored koosa, and neatly wrapped grape leaves. Feeding his family was his love language. When he wasn't cooking at home, you could always find him at a local restaurant or donut shop, swapping stories with his friends and neighbors.
George was a die-hard Cleveland sports fan and even attended the very first televised Monday Night Football game in 1970. He and Marie logged thousands of miles behind the wheel of his trophy 1978 Suburban to watch his children play sports. In his later years, he became an ardent supporter of UCONN Huskies' athletics.
The family is eternally grateful for the kindness and compassion with which he was treated by all the physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers at University Hospitals, the wonderful team at DaVita of Rocky River, and the caregivers who helped out at home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in his memory to St. Elias Melkite Church: https://www.steliasmelkitechurch.org/giving/.
Family and friends will be received at McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home at 25620 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, Ohio, Sunday, November 2nd, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
The Trisagion Service will be on Sunday, November 2nd, at 3:30 P.M.
Funeral Service will take place at St. Elias Church at 8023 Memphis Ave. Brooklyn, Ohio, Monday, November 3rd, at 11:00 AM (Everyone please meet at the Church). Service will be livestreamed @ https://youtube.com/live/5UQQag8NA58 Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Pallbearers that will assist will be as follows:
Elso DiFranco
Ben Greggor
Jimmy Ibrahim
Steve Ibrahim
Evalina Rech
Luke Rech
Michael Rech
David Sabath
Abigail Shaker
Brian Shaker
Mason Shaker
Nathan Shaker
Elias Zarzour
Gabriel Zarzour