Obituary of George Ostich

George Ostich was born on August 24, 1925 in Akron, OH and has fallen asleep in The Lord on Thursday, February 15, 2018. He is preceeded in passing into God's Heavenly Kingdom by his loving parents, Father, Miloš of Oraovac, Serbia, Mother Persa, of Srem, Serbia, and sisters, Danica and Vukica. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry, of more than 60 years, his son, Michael (LaMar), daughter, Diane Grace (Michael) Pancoe, grandchildren, Michael (Natalie) Pancoe, Laura Pancoe (Jordan) Wilhite, Mila, Aeriana, Alexia, and Giavona Ostich, great grandchildren, Elijah Pancoe, Olivia Wilhite, and Katarina Pancoe to be born in July. Also, many extended family members and friends. George grew up in the Akron area with his parents in the Serbian community and left to serve in the United States Military during World War II and was eventually promoted to Staff Sergeant under General George S. Patton. He had worked for a year at a foundry in California after leaving the Army. So he started a foundry of his own, making wood and metal patterns for industrial uses. Later, he moved into the production of aluminum castings. When he was 23 years old, he bought an abandoned building in Cleveland that had been owned by Cleveland Electric Illuminating. He had the pieces of the building loaded on to a tractor-trailer and moved to an acre of land he had purchased on Wingate for $2500. George then reconstructed that old CEI building, piece by piece. It took him two years, with the help of a Barberton firefighter. This became the Akron Foundry Company. George started the company in 1950 and it is still going strong today. From a One-Man Operation in 1950 to over 200 employees today. The company grew into two divisions, Akron Electric being the second, and the two companies conduct business all over the world. George will always be remembered for his humble and giving nature. Through his hard work over the years, he employed thousands of individuals in the Akron area which helped to support tens of thousands of people through their families. He was continuously supporting charitable organizations, churches and basically anyone that would ask him for help. If he couldn't give them money, he would give them a job and vice versa. George served as the Church Board President of St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron, OH for 34 years. He was also the Kum (Godfather) of this church and also one of the Kums for the Serbian Orthodox Monastery Marcha in Richfield, OH. He will be missed dearly by his beloved church family at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Fairlawn, OH. Vje?naja pamjat! Memory Eternal! The family will receive family and friends wishing to visit on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Anthony Funeral Home Kucko Anthony Kertesz Chapel at 1990 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM with Parastas at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 2552 Pickle Rd., Akron, OH 44312 with funeral services following at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church (listed above), St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church (3204 Ridgewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333) and St. Demetrius Serbian Orthodox Church (3106 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333). (Anthony, AKRON, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com)