George Michael Margalski (May 5, 1948 - April 26, 2024) passed away Thursday, April 26th after many years of fighting cancer, and subsequent other heath challenges, with his family by his side.
George was born in Chicago, Illinois to John and Natalie Margalski who both have preceded him in death.
George graduated from Holy Cross High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago where he met his wife Carol while working nights at the Post Office. They were married for 33 years before she died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 54.
George began his career in sales and marketing working for Citgo Petroleum which took his family from Chicago, IL to Elkhart, IN and finally to Tulsa OK in 1981. Over his 30 year career with CITGO many of his coworkers became lifelong friends and nearly family. He was blessed to enjoy the fellowship of his fellow retirees at their frequent lunches and gatherings until just before his death.
After his retirement he spent much of his time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, Hospice, and the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and working with a Boy Scout troop in North Tulsa. He golfed twice a week with a great group of friends, and the family house on Lake Tenkiller became his favorite retreat to fish, boat and and enjoy great food, drinks and an occasional cigar on the back deck overlooking the lake.
His retirement also brought him his caring wife Conne, whom he married in 2013. They traveled the world on many adventures on land and on the sea during the many cruises they took together. When he was no longer able to travel, she was his steadfast advocate until the end.
George was a proud father and grandfather, and cherished his family time. His children, Denise and Daniel grew up camping across the country to various National Parks and taking tropical vacations in many places. He also took his grandson Josh on adventures in Colorado, Yellowstone and Alaska. Disney World in the summer of 2022 was the trip of the lifetime with his youngest grandchildren.
George will be remembered for having high expectations for those around him as he also held himself to that same standard. He was generous to those in need and a loyal friend in times of trouble. He was a devout Catholic who never missed a mass at home or abroad and found solace in daily readings of the Magnificat.
George is survived by his wife Conne; brother Jim, his wife Corinne and their daughter Renee; daughter Denise and her husband John and their son Joshua and his fianc�e Ainsleigh and his son Daniel, wife Rebekah and their children Natalie and Alexander. He is also survived by his Sister in law Cathy, Brother in law George Stlaske, wife Patty and their three children Bill, Jennifer and Christine and their families. The Stlaske's have a special place in George's heart as he spent many summers traveling with Carol's family even after her passing.
Visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Southwood Chapel from 2-4pm on Monday, April 29 followed by a Rosary. Funeral services will be held at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 4001 E. 101st St., Tulsa, OK. at 11am, Tuesday, April 30th followed by a reception immediately following. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery at 1:30pm following, where he will be laid to rest with his wife Carol.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: A New Leaf - an Owasso based organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. anewleaf.org
We love you forever, Dad.