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Obituary : George Vincent Strelich |
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 George Vincent Strelich 1917 - 2009 Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass
will be held Wednesday, September 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi
Church, 900 "H" Street, for George Vincent Strelich, who passed away peacefully
in Bakersfield surrounded by his family, on September 25, 2009. Viewing will be
held Tuesday, September 29, at Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue,
from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. George was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Anton and
Katherine Strelich. George's father owned a general grocery store at the time.
During his early years his mother took in boarders, and George and his brothers
stocked shelves in the store until they were old enough to work at Utah Copper
Mines. Over the years George shared rich stories of that rough but exciting time
toiling in the copper mines of Bingham Canyon. After high school, George met and
fell in love with his life's partner, Lucille Fassio, while a guest at a
housewarming party. It was one party he would never forget. With her parent's
permission, George and Lucille were married on December 17, 1939. A short time
later the couple moved to Bakersfield where they would eventually start their
family. George joined the Bakersfield Police Department in 1942, but soon after
was called to military service. George served in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees during
World War II while Lucille remained in Bakersfield. George returned from
military service and resumed his law enforcement career in 1945, working as a
forgery detective. After 32 years of distinguished service George retired from
the police force in 1974. George's brothers Steve, John, Mike and Tom also
pursued new beginnings in California. Steve and John opened Strelich Brothers
Conditioning Club while they continued to wrestle and box throughout the western
states. Later, Strelich Stadium opened in the winter of 1941 and became a
sought-after venue for professional wrestling and boxing. George enjoyed
participating with his brothers in the management of these locations and was
very proud of both family ventures. George and Lucille shared 68 wonderful years
together and were blessed with two adoring children. George valued his faith and
family above all else. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Church and later, Christ the King Church. George was also mindful of his
heritage. As a longtime member of the American Slavonic Social Club and the
Italian Heritage Dante Association, he enjoyed attending social events with
Lucille where his ancestry was celebrated. George enjoyed teaching the languages
of Italian and Croatian to the staff at Glenwood Gardens. George's kind and
gentle demeanor put everyone he met at ease. His deep, caring voice was matched
by his infectious smile and gracious personality. He was large in stature but a
gentleman with a kindhearted way about him. He loved nothing more than to spend
time with the people he cared about and share stories with family and friends.
Often that extended to the Elk's Lodge where George made daily visits to the
steam room to engage in lively conversation with his fellow Elks young and old.
George was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucille; his parents and
brothers, Steve, John, Mike, Tony and Tom Strelich; and sisters, Ann Damjanovich
and Mary Kirkendall. George is survived by his children, Steve Strelich and wife
MaeLeslie; daughter, Tina and husband Tim Lewy; and grandsons, Tim Lewy and wife
Chris, Jasen Lewy and wife Melissa, and Stefan Strelich. George is also survived
by his great grandchildren, Michael, Grace and Matthew Lewy; and numerous loving
nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Tim Lewy, Jasen Lewy, Stefan Strelich,
Thomas Strelich, Charles Devers and Joseph Jannino. Honorary Pallbearers will be
Daryl Smith, Richard Lemucchi, Ronald Strelich, Anthony Strelich, Gary Anich,
Clyde Goodwin, Carl Fanucchi and Larry Fanucchi. Heartfelt thanks to Jackie and
Daryl Smith, Dean Hisey and the caregivers of Glenwood Gardens Assisted Living,
Colleen with Hoffmann Hospice, and Drs. Tommy Lee and Edward Nichols, Around the
Clock Care and Armida Lopez. George Strelich was an honorable man whose life was
a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made
to UCLA Department of Neurology, attention Jeff Bronstein, M.D., 710 Westwood
Plaza Suite A-153, Los Angeles, CA, 90095. Donations should be made to UC
Regents, indicating 'Parkinson's Disease Research' on check.
Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara
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