George Rabagia, age 98, of Granville, went to be with his Lord, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Morgantown Healthcare Center in Morgantown following a brief illness.
George was born at home in Granville (then known as Mona) on April 4, 1925. He was the fourth and youngest son born to the late Nikola (Nick) Rabagia, a shoemaker who emigrated from Croatia in Austria-Hungary, and the late Mary Yedlosky Rabagia, who was of Polish descent. As a first-generation American, he was fluent in both of his parents’ languages.
George attended St. Francis Elementary, Granville Elementary, and finished his ninth grade year at Riverside Junior High School as he had to devote himself to working in his father’s shoe-repair shop in Osage when his brothers were called to military service.
A strong work ethic, instilled in him by his father, is what George lived by. George was a shoe cobbler by trade, working for his father from early childhood until the age of 25. He then was employed in the engine house for the Monongahela Railroad in Osage. In 1954, George became a polisher at the Sterling Faucet Company in Morgantown, retiring in 1987 with 32 years of service.
In his personal time, George was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A car enthusiast from an early age, George was always keeping his cars in excellent working condition and appearance. Also, he was a “Jack of All Trades” as he could make, rebuild, and repair anything and everything.
George is survived by his three children, Barbara (Doug) Conn, Mick (Patty) Rabagia, of Morgantown and John Rabagia of Granville; two granddaughters, Loriann (Colin) Foster and Brittany (Jason) Hicks, both of Morgantown. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Adalyn Hicks, Conor Hicks, and Michael Foster. George is also survived by a step-granddaughter, Erin (Conn) Johnson. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, on April 11, 2021, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. As the last surviving member of his immediate family, George was preceded in death by his three older brothers, Steve Rabagia, Nick Rabagia, Jr., and infant brother, John Rabagia.
Friends may call at McCulla Funeral Home in Westover from 5-8 p.m. Monday Sept. 18, and on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating. Burial will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery.
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