George Spiros Michals passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, April 7, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and family. George was born in 1932 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to Helen S. and Spiros C. Michals; brother of Athanasia, Dean, and Vannette. He attended grammar school in Asbury Park and graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Beach, New Jersey. George attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. He joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Washington, D.C. before being transferred to Yokohama, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1956.
George returned from the war to Asbury Park, where he worked in various family businesses including Michals Restaurant until 1980. George married Elvira Morris of Red Bank, New Jersey in 1961. Together, they raised four sons, Spiro, Stratton, Stephen, and Phillip. George and Elvira were blessed with three wonderful daughters-in-law, Stephanie, Michelle, and Sabrina; as well as seven grandchildren, Spencer George, Logan Stephen, Olivia Helen, George Lawrence, Sienna Elvira, Althea Leona, and Troy Armen.
During the 1970’s, the Michals Family built the Freehold Conva Center, a nursing home, where George served as Administrator. In 1990, he became Administrator of their second nursing home, Neptune ConvaCenter and Rehabilitation; he retired from that position in 1998. From 1998 through 2010, George was owner and managing partner of several businesses including Minor League sports teams and weekly newspapers.
George devoted his time, talents, and efforts to numerous philanthropic organizations. He served RWJBarnabas Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey for many years. George was a member of the hospital’s Board of Directors, as well as its Foundation. He served on many committees at the hospital, including Co-Chair of several successful Crystal Ball Galas, providing substantial financial support to the hospital. George was on the Board of the Asbury Park YMCA, the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Chelsea House.
George’s deep devotion to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Asbury Park, now Ocean Township, was evident through his service, not only as a lifetime member and Steward, but also as a former member of the Parish Council and Co-Chair of many church Dinner Dances, as well as Chairman of the St. George Cemetery Committee for many years. He was honored with the St. George Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award in 2008 for his lifetime of faithful service, philanthropy, and leadership. George was twice awarded Congressional Recognition from the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey for Service to the Community.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 5 pm to 9 pm Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. The Trisagion Service will be celebrated at 6 pm. The Funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.