It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George, born on May 22, 1939 to Joseph and Josephine (nee Zarb) in Qormi, Malta. Surrounded by family, he was at peace after a very brief battle with Cancer and died on Oct 29, 2024. George met the love of his life Hilda (nee Palmer), married for 60 years.

Together they had three children, first born Jean (Sean), Michael and George (Darl), who loved him dearly and looked up to him greatly. Devoted grandfather to Rachel (Guelord) and Great Grandpa George (3G) to Desire and Wanangwa. He was eldest brother to Helen Cachia (predeceased), Reno (Cathy), Charlie (Carmella) and Tony. Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

George worked in Malta as a teacher until he moved to Toronto, Canada at the age of 19. He took Math at Jarvis Collegiate before completing his Charted Accountant Certification through Queen’s University. Math was his passion and despite facing the challenges of living in a new country, he graduated first in his class in all of Ontario. That fact was highlighted in an article in the Toronto Star. Dad devoted his entire career to serving as a Chartered Accountant, Auditor and American Tax Expert. He mentored numerous accountants, some still refer to him as ‘Uncle’ or ‘Dad’. He was even still calculating numbers at the time of his death.

Dad had a passion for promoting the Maltese-Canadian culture. He helped numerous immigrants become acclimated to the Canadian way of life. He worked for three years as treasurer of the Melita Soccer Club before becoming elected to President, a position which he was honored to hold for the past 25 years, up to the time of his death.

Dad also was a “Gorgjan” (follower of St. George, his patron Saint). He was a founding member of the Festa San St. George Association. Over the years, he brought the feast of his home-town to thousands in Canada & USA to celebrate its heritage. Festa was his favorite celebration of the year and he was so proud when he carried the statue and heard the hometown band marches. These feasts featured dignitaries including the President, Bishop and Consul General, all from Malta.

Dad was a generous philanthropist. He gave to a multitude of charities and sponsored many children in numerous developing countries. He was also a proud member of the Association of Lyceum Past Students in Malta.

George was a beloved friend to hundreds. If you knew George you were blessed by his presence. You had someone to count on and be by your side.

Dad embraced death in the same way he embraced life, with passion and prayer. He looked forward to being reunited with those who went on before him, especially his parents and sister. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

In the spirit of Celebrating Dad’s life as a follower of St George, the family invites all visitors attending any part of his services to wear ‘red’, but that is completely optional.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following charities: the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Hearing Society, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, ShareLife, Sick Kids Foundation and United Way of Northern New Jersey.

George and his wife Hilda knew many priests. Any priest attending the funeral mass are welcome to join in the sanctuary. Please bring your own vestments.

Please cut and paste the following link for a Funeral Mass on Monday at 11 a.m. into your browser until it is added as a livestream button Monday morning:
https://www.youtube.com/live/cn_27y2bBV4


The livestream button below will take you to the prayers and Eulogy at the Funeral home on Sunday 2:45 p.m.