George N. Hallak

George N. Hallak, 88, born on December 20, 1930, in Jaffa , Palestine, passed away March 20, 2019. He resided in Cypress, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Please join us for a celebration of George Hallak's life at the following times and locations:
*Sunday, March 31, Visitation; 5;00 pm-9:00 pm (open house) at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Church Of Our Fathers, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, California 90630
*Monday, April 1, Service; 11:00 am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church; 4321 W Cerritos Ave, Cypress, CA 90630. Graveside Service (immediately following the Holy Cross Service); Forest Lawn - 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, California 90630.
* April 1, Mercy Meal Reception immediately following the Graveside Service. Holy Cross Lutheran Church; 4321 W Cerritos Ave, Cypress, CA 90630

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kiwanis Foundation-Building a Better Future for Our Children -Kiwanis Family Grants at https://www.cnhfoundation.org/


George was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Vinita Hallak. George is survived by his brother Elias Hallak: sister-in-law Brenda Hallak, four children Laurice Hallak Strickland, Michael Hallak (spouse Tracy Hallak), Linda Hallak Pittman (spouse Michael Pittman), and Diana Hallak Lawson (spouse Greg Lawson): 10 grandchildren George "Buddy" Hallak (spouse Ashley Hallak), Jessica Fouty (spouse Charles Fouty), Reese Hallak (spouse Samantha Hallak), Charlene Porter (spouse Adam Porter), Matthew Strickland (spouse Tamara Strickland), Zachary Hallak (spouse Amber Hallak), Katrina Raein (spouse Dean Raein), Sean Masucci (spouse Julianna Masucci), Paige Hallak, and Daniel Strickland; 12 great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.


George served in the United States Marines during the Korean War, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

George was employed by General Motors for 32 years. During that time, he was the United Auto Workers Chairman - Local 645 from 1967-1971 and was on the International Bargaining (Negotiation) team.


George lived in Cypress for 49 years and during that time served the community in many ways. George, along with his wife Vinita, coached in the Cypress Girls Softball league from 1971-1979. During that time, George also served as Vice President and President of the league. George was a founding member of the Cypress Recreation & Parks District's Advisory Community on the Use of Athletic Fields (ACUAF). He was a Board Member of Friends of Cypress Recreation And Parks Inc. (Vice President 1984 - 1986 and President 1987-1989) and chaired The Chili Cookoff in 1987 and 1988. George was an active member of the Cypress Community Festival Association serving as Vice Chair in 1985 and 1986 and Chair in 1987 and 1988. George also served as Recreation and Community Services Commissioner from 1982 to 1990; Vice Chair from 1983 to 1984, and Chair from 1984 to 1985. He continued to serve on the committee until 2002.


George served on the Los Angeles Basin Park and Recreation Commissioners and Board of Directors from 1983 to 1987. He was the Legislative Representative for the State Board of Directors for the Southern section from 1986-1987.


George was a founding member of Senior Meals and Services and served on its Board of Directors. He was a member of the Board of the Cypress Boys and Girls Club.


George was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Cypress since 1987, serving as President of the Club from 1990-1991 and Secretary in 2002. He was Lieutenant Governor from 2009 - 2010. George was the recipient of the Kiwanis Kiwanian Of the Year Award, the Division Distinguished Service Award, and in 2018 received the Sho Yamada Outstanding Kiwanian Award.


A founding member of the Cypress Red Ribbon Committee, George helped to initiate the Anti-Drug message to all Cypress Schools and initiated the Red Ribbon Essay Contest in all Cypress Elementary Schools.


George was the Cypress Chamber's Cypress Man of the Year in 1998 and the recipient of the Americana award in 2003 honoring and recognizing George as Cypress Citizen of the Year.


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