Dr. George T. Stroia

Dr. George T. Stroia, of Crown Point, passed away on February 23, 2017, at Franciscan Alliance Medical Center. George, born on July 26, 1931, in East Chicago, Indiana, was the son of John and Elizabeth (Boudi) Stroia. George dedicated his life to the betterment of education, church, community, and family. A graduate of Froebel High School, he served in the U.S. Army, earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education at Indiana University, and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He began his teaching career at Lew Wallace High School and was appointed Supervisor of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics for the Gary public schools. He later served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Chicago State University. He was also an adjunct professor at St. Xavier College, Chicago, IL and Calumet College of St. Joseph, Whiting, IN. George was a member of the Calumet Officials Association, officiating Indiana and Illinois high school and college sports. He served as president of numerous professional and philanthropic organizations, including the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Catholic Youth Organization, Exchange Club, Indiana University-Northwest Alumni Chapter, Junedale Little League, and the Gary Senior League World Series. He was appointed to President John F. Kennedy’s Fitness Council, a board member of the Northwest Indiana Boys and Girls Clubs ,Merrillville Park Board, and Lake County Parks Department. He was a member of the Macedonian Social Organization, American Legion, Merrillville Post 430, Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Ryder Council.. He also served as Precinct Committeeman for both Merrillville and Crown Point. He was the founder of Camp George (named in his honor) family and youth outdoor camp facility in Wolcottville, Indiana. George made a lifetime commitment to his faith as president and administrator of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the first lay President of the Association of Romanian Catholic of America (ARCA), and was instrumental in securing an appointment for the Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church’s first bishop. George was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the “Gary Old Timers” in 2017, “The Order of St. George” from the Diocese of Canton for lifetime contributions to the church in 2013, the Elizabeth Guba Community Service for Northwest Indiana Award, and the President’s Award from the Midwest District of AHPER&D. The George T. Stroia Romanian Golf Classic is an annual event, established in 1995, in his honor. George is survived by his wife- Rose; his three children- Mary Clark (Bruce), John Stroia, and Kathleen Stroia; grandchildren- Brad Clark and Kara Clark; sister- Elizabeth Breaz; sister in-law- Helen Volk, as well as his many loving, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father- John Stroia, his mother- Elizabeth Drag, his brothers- John Stroia and Virgil Strauss, his sister- Virginia Rudovich and in-laws. Friends may visit with George’s family on Sunday February 26, 2017, from 1-7 p.m., with the Parastas service at 4 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, Indiana. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. DIRECTLY at St Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 557 W. 57th Ave. Merrillville, IN. The Most Reverend John Michael Botean, Bishop of the Romanian Catholic Diocese, Eparchy of St. George in Canton and Very Rev. Basil Hutsko and Very Rev. Michael Evanick, concelebrating.The burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Ave. Merrillville, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp George Fund or to a charity according to the wishes of the family, c/o Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307. George loved life and the company of family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all. www.burnsfuneral.com

Dr. George T. Stroia

July 26, 1931 - February 23, 2017