George Zilba Jr.

01/13/1968 - 02/12/2024

George "Georgie" C. Zilba Jr., 56, suffered heart complications while at his parents' home and sadly passed away at Toledo Hospital on Monday, February 12, 2024. Georgie was the son of George C. Zilba Sr. and the late Carol Zilba. He was a remarkable individual who left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. There are no words to truly describe the way his life touched so many in this world.

Graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1986, Georgie was not only an outstanding student but also a natural leader. He served as the Freshman Class President and excelled as a talented athlete in football and was also a member of the Glee Club. To this day, he rarely missed a Central sporting event and could often be found cheering on the sideline at every game. Throughout his life, he continued his love of sports by coaching numerous little league teams and particularly the ones his nephews and nieces played in.

Georgie further pursued his education at the University of Toledo, earning a degree in mental health counseling. He genuinely cared for the well-being of those around him and dedicated his time to provide support and guidance to those in need. He was a gifted writer, exceptional orator and avid reader. Georgie was also a skilled contractor having his own business for many years and was involved in the family catering business at Parkway Place in Maumee, Ohio.

Deeply rooted in his faith, Georgie actively participated in his parish community. For many years, he served as an altar boy, a Lecture, and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Church in Sylvania.

Georgie made friends wherever he went because of his warm, humorous and outgoing personality. One of his greatest gifts was connecting with people. He had friends from all walks of life, and he never judged anyone. He treated each one like they mattered. His infectious sense of humor, comical imitations and playful antics often left those lucky enough to be a recipient in fits of laughter.

Alternatively, Georgie possessed the kindest heart. He was everybody's cheerleader and he reveled in others' accomplishments. He'd rush to anyone who needed a helping hand no matter what time of day or night, sun or snow and he did it without any thought of ever being reciprocated.

Georgie never had children of his own, so he showered his love upon his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. He had 16 of them and there wasn't a week that went by that he didn't reach out to them. He maintained such a youthful spirit and unconditional love for them, they all deeply cherish him.

Above all, Georgie treasured the moments he spent with his family, particularly his father. He grew up as the middle child in a large family with 3 sisters and 3 brothers and they remained extremely close their entire lives. In recent months, he dedicated himself to caring for his dad and found immense fulfillment in doing so. The laughter, conversations, and shared love for sports, especially Notre Dame games and his beloved Minnesota Vikings, brought them closer together.

In his short time on this earth, Georgie made a huge impact that will never be forgotten. Despite some profound personal challenges he faced, he was a warrior able to overcome and find peace, love, and redemption, particularly during the last chapter of his life, that will continue to teach us all lessons and help us move on in our own journey toward heaven.

Georgie is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Zilba. He is survived by his father, George Zilba Sr.; his brothers, Jeffrey (Leslie), Greg (Stacey), and Joey (Betsy); and his sisters, Juliana (Rick) Furay, Mary Zilba, and Lisa Zilba. Additionally, he leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. His aunts, Annamarie and Lorna Zilba and Dorothy Dunco; and uncle, John (Witt) Zilba were also cherished by him.

George "Georgie" C. Zilba Jr. will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to his loved ones. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. May he rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560, on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Because of ongoing construction in St. Joseph Sylvania's main church, the funeral mass and burial for Georgie will be limited to immediate family only. However, we warmly welcome all relatives and friends to join us for a joyful celebration of Georgie's life at Parkway Place, 2592 Parkway Plaza, Maumee, OH 43537, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences to

www.reebfuneralhome.com