Eternal Memory: Fr. William George (Updated 5/10/17)
Saturday, May 6, 2017
JOHNSTOWN, PA - It is with great sorrow that His Grace, Bishop Gregory announces, the falling asleep in the Lord of Fr. William George, Pastor of Sts Peter and Paul Church of Rockaway, NJ late in the evening of Friday, May 5, 2017 at the age of 29 as a result of fatal injuries sustained in a car accident earlier that day.
Father William was born in Denville, New Jersey, on February 26, 1988, and resided nearby for most of his life. He was the son of JoAnn George, nee King and Michael George.
Father William graduated from Morris Knolls High School as a member of the class of 2006. He attended County College of Morris, and he graduated from Montclair State University. He continued his education at Christ the Savior Seminary of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After graduation, he married Amy Maria George, nee Harbilas, formerly of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, on June 9, 2013.
In October of 2013, Fr. William was ordained to the Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, PA and to the Holy Priesthood on March 23, 2014 at his childhood parish, Saints Peter and Paul Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church in Rockaway Borough, where h
e was assigned to serve as their presbyter and shepherd. He diligently served the parish with kindness, selflessness, patience and love for Christ and his flock. Father William was also the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Chaplin at the County College of Morris chapter since its founding.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Father William is survived by his siblings, Dr. Erin George of Philadelphia, PA, Joseph George of Rockaway, NJ and Annie George of Rockaway, NJ; his maternal grandparents Donald and Joan King, grandmother Anna Hollis; his mother- and father-in law, Kathryn and John Harbilas of Camp Hill, PA, a sister-in-law, Tina Mayoglou, nee Harbilas (Lazarus) and a brother-in-law, Peter Harbilas (Lauretta), two nieces and two nephews, Helen, Cosmas, Theo, and Georgia.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Thurs., May 11th – reception of the body into SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ at 10:00 am with the Church opened the remainder of the day. The Priest’s Parastas will be served at 7 PM.
Fri., May 12th – 10 AM Funeral Liturgy followed by interment in the parish cemetery which is located on Quaker Ave. in Randolph, NJ.
The clergy and faithful of the Diocese are kindly asked to keep the newly departed Priest William and his Pani Amy and their family and the Parish Community of Sts. Peter and Paul in their prayers. In lieu of flowers, 
donations in Fr. William's memory may be made to support the Saints Peter and Paul Narthex Icon Project. Donations can be sent care of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
All who knew him can agree that Father William lived his life with his whole heart, purposefully and beautifully. His mission on earth is complete and his death—and even more so, his humble and loving ministry and life—is an example to all of us that our journey to salvation must continue.
May our good God grant blessed repose and rest eternal to His faithful servant, the newly-departed servant, The Priest William and render eternal his memory, Vicnaja Jemu Pamjat!, Christos Voskres! Christ is Risen!
View Special Memorial Media Gallery Here.