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GEORGE B. SOBIERAJ, age 73, cherished husband of Karen (nee Rogaliner), loving father of Michelle Vaigl (Kurt), Carri Anne Joy (Mike), Nicole Aquino (Jeff) and Bernard (Abbey); devoted “Dziadzia” to Brett, Brooke (Nick), Gabrielle, George, Mason, Josie Rue, Carter, Tegan and Brynn; great grandfather of Jonah and Ezra; closer than just a brother-in-law to Ron Rogaliner and Gail Chester; brother of Mary Ann Kane; adopted brother to Ken Stefan and Kathy Golem, beloved uncle, great uncle, friend and mentor to many . George was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 19, 1947. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Bernard (Brownie) and Evelyn (nee Mruczkowski). George is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a major in Business Management. He had quite a diverse background as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist and served as a director on numerous boards. His first love, however, was Rubber City Machinery Corp. which he founded in 1980. Rubber City Machinery is located in Akron, Ohio and is a leader in rubber processing machinery throughout the world. George was grateful to Robert Westfall, Luther Whitecotton (deceased), Steve Pergl and the rest of his team for their loyalty and dedicated service to RCM. George’s interest in the rubber industry led him down many paths. He was a member of the Equipment Appraisal Association of North America, the Machinery Dealers’ National Association and the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers. As a certified appraiser of rubber machinery in the United States his reputation in the industry inspired the directors of The History Channel to seek him out and send a crew of filmmakers to his plant in Akron to interview him for an appearance on their Modern Marvels Program for a show entitled “Rubber”. George was interviewed on several occasions for articles in multiple publications including “Rubber and Plastic News” and appeared as a guest speaker for various organizations. George was also involved with many civic organizations over the years including serving as president of the Seven Hills Jaycees. He was a charter member of the Case Western Reserve University Advisory Council for Macular Degeneration Research and a member of Marymount Hospital’s Community Action Board. George’s other love was the Polish American community. Born in the St. Hyacinth area, he was very proud of his Polish heritage. Anyone who knew George was aware that he was always ready to do whatever it took to promote Polonia in the community. For several years he organized with the Cleveland Indians to have a Polish Night at the stadium. George had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at one of those games. In 2009, George received the Polish Heritage Award from the Polonia Foundation of which he is a Knight of Pulaski. When the President of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski, visited Cleveland in December of 2010, George was honored to be among those welcoming him to the Polish-American Cultural Center and proud to shake his hand and take a small part in this historical visit. In 2011, George was the honoree of the Ohio Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation at their annual awards banquet. George was a frequent guest on the Polish Radio Program on 90.3 FM hosted by Eugenia Stolarczyk. He was proud to have served as President, Vice-President and Director of the Polish American Cultural Center, on the board of trustees of the Polonia Foundation, on the finance committee of St. John Cantius Church and as President, Vice-President and a Trustee of the Cleveland Society of Poles. He was a member of the local chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation and the Union of Poles in America-PNA. George also enjoyed the camaraderie of being a member of the historical “Directors’ Club”. As a tribute to his many accomplishments and good deeds, March 24, 2012 was proclaimed “George B. Sobieraj Day” by Donald Plusquellic, the then Mayor of Akron. George would often say that “you base your success on how successful you have made others”. Many who have been touched by George can attest that he lived by this philosophy. George enjoyed a beautiful life filled with many successes until the Lord took him home to be with Him on September 18, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. He was an extraordinary man who will be truly missed by many.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Cantius Church, 906 College Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 on Saturday September 26, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at All saints Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday 4 - 8 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71),
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