Obituary of George Baboila

George Baboila, born April 1st, 1924 died at the age of 88 on July 17, 2012. George was a tire builder at Firestone for 31 years and retired from Portage Lakes Career Center after 8 years. Preceded in death by parents Victor and Maria, daughter Marie, and inlaws, Katherine and Dick Percoco, and Ida and Ben Spallino. George is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Violet, sons' George (Peg Ryan) of St. Paul, Minnesota and David of Akron. Doting grandfather of Ellen and David (St. Paul) and Zachary (Akron). Also survived by sister Jenica Maftei (Romania), sister-in-law, Bettina Strongoli (Sausalito, CA), cousins, friends, and many wonderful nieces and nephews, especially Domenica Hodgkiss, Bettina Nugent, Michelle Spallino, and Mary Grisez, as well as Zack's mom, Traci Hupp. George was an avid gardener who was known for his abundant tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers as well as being the envy of the neighborhood for his manicured lawn. He enjoyed chess, reading, fishing, hunting, and playing the stock market. George enjoyed reminiscing of his days in Romania hiking in the Transylvanian Alps. He was born in Akron to immigrant parents. At the age of 12, he returned to Romania with his mother and sister. While in Romania, he began medical school but his studies were interrupted by political turmoil and he was forced to return to Akron. He soon met his wonderful wife Violet Strongoli, began working at Firestone, and started a family. The family thanks the staff and caregivers at Traditions on Bath Road and at Summa Health Care for their dedication and caring these past 2 months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday 2:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday 5 to 8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Marie Baboila Memorial Scholarship Fund at Archbishop Hoban High School, 1 Holy Cross Boulevard Akron, Ohio 44306.