SAN DIEGO, CA___George Victor Vasil, a native of Worcester, MA, teacher and coach, died at his daughter's home in San Diego on February 8, 2009. He was 82.
Dedication to his family, teaching, and nurturing rising basketball stars like himself were the touchstones of George's life. George was a talented young basketball player at North High School, Worcester,('45) who proudly served his country in the Naval branch of the Armed Forces during World War II prior to becoming a prominent athlete at Clark University ('51). George went on to coach basketball throughout his life and was named to the Clark University Hall of Fame for Basketball in 1997.
In addition to his passion and commitment to coaching, George fiercely advocated the importance of education and established a life-long career
educating and mentoring youth. George earned his Masters in Education from Worcester State College in 1962 and established a reputation at
Marlborough High School as a preeminent English teacher and beloved basketball coach. After retiring from Marlboro in 1988, George moved to San Diego to be with his eldest daughter. There he returned to teaching at Saint Augustine High School where he continued to teach and
run the intramural sports program until 2008.
First and foremost, George loved his family. He was born November 18, 1926 in Worcester to Albanian immigrants, Pandi and Virginia (Dimitri) Vasil.
The pride and pinnacle of George's life were his children (raised with his wife Helen Marko in Worcester) his grandchildren, and his entire
extended family. His love and devotion to family was the backbone of his existence and carried him to the end of his life.
George is survived by his four children, Lynne (Vasil)Carry of San Diego, wife of Dr. James Carry, Lori(Vasil) Thomas of Falls Church, VA, wife of Craig Thomas, Esq., Peter Vasil of Clifton, NJ., husband of Angela (Patti) Vasil, and Paul Vasil of Boston, MA., husband of Michelle (Pero) Vasil, his 10 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters, William, Alexander, Theodora and Julia.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 14 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St, Worcester with a service at 11:00 am in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St, Worcester. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours in the funeral home are Friday, February 13 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with a trisagion service at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA, 01609.