George Steve Sziraki

It is with great sadness, that the family of George S. Sziraki, Sr, announce his passing on March 31, 2023, at the age of 83.

George was born February 20th, 1940 in a small town just outside of Budapest, Hungary. In 1956, at the age of just 16, he was an active participant in the Hungarian Revolution, trying to help rid his home country of communist Russia. Due to safety concerns, he was forced to flee Hungary alone. After being granted political refugee status by the United States, he settled in Cleveland, before moving to New York.

At 19 years old, he joined the United States Air Force, and proudly served for over 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. George had multiple jobs while in the Air Force, but the one he was most fond of was his position as a B-52 Gunner. In 1972, during one of his tours in Vietnam, George was awarded the Air Force's Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1960, while stationed in Kansas, George met the love of his life, Marie. Shortly thereafter, in 1961, they were married. While stationed in Kansas, they had their first son, George Jr. in 1962. The following year, while stationed in Mississippi, their second son, Steve, was born. The family, in typical military family fashion, moved several times, and were stationed in Florida, New York, and ultimately settled in California.

At the tail end of George's military career, he began to paint homes as an extra-source of income. After initial success in this new endeavor, he recognized he would be able to make his own company, Sziraki Custom Painting. For over 25 years, due to his tremendous work ethic and business savvy, he built the marquee custom painting business in the local area. Our family would like to pay thanks to all of George's former painters who helped him achieve this success.

George was a proud member of the Atwater Kiwanis club, where he served as president at one point. He was also the former president of the Atwater High School football Quarterback Club. Throughout the 90's George and Marie were fixtures at Atwater High football games. They would proudly sit up at their assigned seats, rattling their cow bell. George developed a passion for aviation during his time in the Air Force and obtained his private pilot’s license. During his free time, you could find him in the skies with friends and family.

George lived an extremely accomplished life filled with military and business achievements; however, his family is what meant most to him.

During George and Marie's nearly 63 years of marriage, they were fortunate enough to travel the world together, visiting over 15 countries. Marie was truly the love of his life. He always bragged that his achievements were made possible due to Marie's devotion. They were a match made in Heaven. George was the true patriarch of his family, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marie Sziraki; two sons (George Sziraki Jr, and Steve Sziraki); daughter in law, Kim Sziraki; his brother, Laszlo Sziraki, 5 grandchildren: Christopher Sziraki (Julie) Leslie Rivera (Mike) Lyndsie Drake (Tony), Georgie Sziraki (Jenna) and Ryan Sziraki; 11 great-grandchildren: Anthony Sodini, Kevin Blake, Alex Sodini, Jaxson Sziraki, Gracie Sziraki, Jhett Sziraki, Abigail Rivera, Elizabeth Sziraki, Noah Sziraki, Hailee Rivera, and Julianna Sziraki)

He leaves this world as a loving and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a loyal and respected friend; and an honorable patriot of this country.

George will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Steve Sziraki, please visit our floral store.