George Gnatovich

George Gnatovich, 92, of Rock Island, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2019 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019, with a Trisagion service held at 6:30 p.m., at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd.  Entombment will be at Moline Memorial Park.  Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

George was born on May 27, 1926 in East Moline, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Perkovich) Gnatovich. He married Joy Skiles in 1949 in Moline, and she preceded him in death January 7, 2005.

Upon graduating East Moline High in 1944, the next day George reported for duty in the Navy and fought in the South Pacific on a Destroyer Escort, the U.S.S. Duffy. George started his career at Tri City Food on 23rd Ave in Moline with his brother, Sam, and then they went on to build and own Highland Park Bowl. They later owned Sammy G Lanes where he retired in 1999. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox church.  For many decades George, his brother, John, and mother, Mary, religiously would have lunch together every Monday until her passing in 1986. They continued this tradition and then George’s son, Mark, joined upon his retirement in 2012 and continued until George’s recent passing. This grew into what they called the “Monday Lunch Club.”  He also loved golfing, bowling, playing cards (especially euchre).  George was truly known for his ability to tell jokes. One of his happiest moments was playing free golf at Golfmohr, after turning 90.

Survivors include his son, Mark Gnatovich, Rock Island

Grandchildren             Lee, Mark “Nick”, and Brandy

Great grandchild         Devin

Brother                        John Gnatovich

Several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, George Jr. and his brother, Sam.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.