George Ciosek was born on January 8, 1927 in his home on the east side of Detroit, Michigan.  His father Albert, a coal miner, was a joyful man and deeply religious.  George’s mother, Viola, first worked in a factory and then as a seamstress.   Albert’s social, fun-loving personality made it hard to tell he was 15 years older than Viola.  

George was born two months early and the doctors told Viola he would not live.  Viola had faith and wrapped him in blankets and kept him warm by the fire.  She gave George small spoonfuls of holy water and watched him grow stronger and eventually flourish.

George grew up in a working-class neighborhood on the east side.  He and his sister, Eleanor, lived in a warm home with a large porch where they spent many hours.  Together, George and Eleanor learned responsibility at a young age.  Both were on their own quite a bit as children.  

George was a child of the Depression.  That time in history shaped his life as it did for so many.  He learned that the little things really meant a lot—a lesson that would remain with him as he aged.  

As a boy, George enjoyed playing baseball.  As he got older, he began playing golf and also working as a caddy.  Religion and faith were a large part of George’s childhood as well.  He and one of his best friends, Stan Shane, both served as altar boys and remained friends throughout their lives.  George stayed active in his CFM church group, his bowling league and various baseball teams.

After graduating from Cass Tech High School, George went on to proudly earn a degree in marketing from Michigan State University.  He served his country during his time in the U.S. Army from August 1945-October 1946.  Eventually he settled into a career in furniture sales for J.L. Hudson.  Later, he would use the experience he gained in automotive sales.  

While attending an event at the Vanity Dance Room, George met Mildred.  The two began dating and eventually fell in love.  The couple was married at St. Ambrose Church (Grosse Pointe) on September 5, 1949 and spent their honeymoon in Niagara Falls.  

George and Mildred settled into married life on the west side of Detroit on Houghton Street. They later moved to Southfield where they raised eight children—six girls and two boys.  Their home was filled with love and happiness.  

George worked hard to provide for his family but he also took time to enjoy life.  He vacationed in Holland and Saugatuck, Michigan and further away in Sedona, Arizona and also New York.  He made time for golf, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and family activities.

His family will remember his passion for storytelling and for his infamous phrases, “it's a bonus” and “the point is”.  He loved to dance—especially to polka music.  He took pleasure in cooking. He was always engaged in his conversations and was a wonderful listener.  He had high energy and loved to laugh.  

George’s greatest joys in life were his faith, family, and friends.

George J. Ciosek passed away on December 24, 2015 at the age of 88.  He was the beloved husband of the late Mildred for 58 years. He was the dear father of Sandy (Bob Ripstra), the late Diane Russell, Debbie (Steve) Haapala, Sharon (Gary) Callas, Tom (Allison), Janice Ciosek, Bob (Jess) and Nancy (Denis) Porto. He was the loving grandfather of Greg, Kelli, Jeff, Leah, Jill, Angela, Molly, Michelle, Bradley, Anthony, Stefanie, Ava, Brandon and Quincy. He was the dearest brother of the late Eleanor Kwasnik.

George’s life will be celebrated with his visitation beginning Sunday, December 27, 2015, at 2pm and going until 8pm with a Rosary Service at 7pm at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. He will lie in state Monday, December 28, 2015, at 9:30am until his funeral mass at 10am at the Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield, Michigan.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.