Tributes

On January 25th, George Komarnicki of Chester, and lately of Radnor, died, after an incomparable and delicious run of 84 years. George’s passing leaves a massive void for anyone who ever walked the same stretch of beach or shared a lingering coffee with him. His uncanny ability to cut through artifice and dig relentlessly for the truth, made him a singular and beloved friend, brother, father and husband. George began his journey in a three room house on 8th Street in Chester, the 7th child of ten, of Joseph and Anna. He was shining shoes by age 5, working at Boyd’s Diner by 10, and a ping-pong, quoits and billiards triple champion by 12. His early athletic prowess presaged his years as a star linebacker at Chester High School. The years following high school were filled with work in the Philadelphia shipyards, at GE, and playing semi-professional football. At 21, in a league game, George suffered a broken vertebrae and ultimately the loss of a kidney. It was this life and death moment that caused him to rethink his future and for the first time begin to investigate his faith. His search led him to Philadelphia College of the Bible, where not only did he stoke a newfound love for Christ, but he also led the basketball team to a high-flying season. He continued college at Salisbury State (MD) and then two more years at the King’s College in Briarcliff, NY. By graduation, he’d amassed more than 2,000 points in his collegiate career and had been named to several All Star teams. Graduate School called in the form of a Masters Degree in Asian studies at Duke University. Now, he had the knowledge, and the faith. All he needed was his love. Marigrace Bucher of Manheim stole George’s heart faster than a point guard, and their love bloomed into 50 years of romance and global adventure. She asked him to show her the world, and he did. They also birthed three children, Robyn Hubbard (Bob) of Bethlehem, Kristyn Komarnicki (Pascal of Philadelphia) and son Todd (Jane of New York City). And never have three children been more parentally blessed. George’s professional life spanned teaching high school history, to financial planning, to business consulting. But the true measure for George, was how close he was to his family and how much time he spent with his Lord. After retiring at 59, George became a full-time philosopher/poet, spending every day steeped in scripture and musing poetically on the state of the world and mankind’s need for grace. He leaves behind a voluminous collection of poems, essays, and inspirational writings, that will continue to bless the generations that mourn his departure. George traveled extensively in Europe, finding a spiritual home in England, where he rubbed shoulders with the ghosts of his two favorite writers: C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. And although he lived a life of the mind and spirit, he also had an abiding love for every stranger he ever met. His openness and loyalty to anyone willing to engage, left his mark of tenacity and tenderness from Philadelphia to Paris, from Radnor to Rome. George is survived by, along with his children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren (Chelsea, Jillian, Julien, Britton, Cole, Jacques, Remy and Flash), and 4 brothers (Joseph, Danny, David and Paul). A memorial will be held at Narberth Presbyterian Church, corner of Windsor and Grayling Ave in Narberth, Saturday February 9th, 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in George’s name to the International Justice Mission, IJM.org

Tributes

George Komarnicki

August 29, 1928 - January 25, 2013