George Richard Sarnowski

1936 - 2025

George Richard Sarnowski, 88, of Tucson, AZ passed away surrounded by family on February 13, 2025 following a brief illness. George was born on December 20, 1936 in Detroit, MI to George D. Sarnowski and Josephine F. (Kusiak) Sarnowski. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he graduated in 1959.

George enlisted in the US Army in 1960 and was first stationed in Fort Knox, KY. It was there that he met the love of his life, Melania (Smith). Melania was later stationed in Heidelberg, Germany where they married on May 26, 1962. After their discharge from the Army, George and Melania moved to Michigan, where he began a career in Human Resources at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 1964-75. In 1975, the family moved to Arizona, where George worked in Human Resources at the University of Arizona in Tucson until his retirement in 1999. He was a respected colleague and made many remarkable friends while working in Ann Arbor and Tucson. His humor and quick wit were enjoyed by many.

Growing up in Detroit, George developed a lifelong love of sports from a young age, supporting all of Detroit's Pro teams. George remained a lifelong fan of those teams and also the U of M and U of A Athletics.

George had a passion for fishing, bowling, golf, and tennis. In 1978, he formed a small poker group with friends Doug, Arnold, Abe, and The Boys. For 42 years, the group gathered once a month to play poker, and though the games eventually stopped in 2020, the bonds of friendship remained strong until the end. George was a proud member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and served on the Board of Directors for the Homeowners' Association of his townhome community in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson. George and Melania enjoyed many wonderful vacations together, with frequent trips to Sedona, AZ and Oregon.

George was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom Sarnowski (Marge) of MO; and niece Laurie Anderson of MO.

George will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Melania; son, Ken Sarnowski (Carol) of Lake Oswego, OR; daughters, Gloria Sarnowski of Tucson, AZ, and Julie Sarnowski (Kari) of Hood River, OR; and granddaughter, Claire Sarnowski of Lake Oswego, OR. He is also survived by nephew Steve (Tina) Sarnowski of TX; niece Cathy (Steve) Majesky of MO; and many, many wonderful friends.

To honor George's love for cats and his wonderful ownership of his beloved pets, Woody, CJ and Squeaks, donations can be made to the Hermitage Cat Shelter in Tucson in lieu of flowers. A Celebration of Life for George will be held at a later date.