George Stavrositu

George Stavrositu was born on February 5th, 1943 in the countryside of Sinoie, Romania. As a young boy he was on a path to become an extraordinary man. He was ahead of his time with big dreams and a personality larger than life. He left for the capital when he was only 14 years old to study at the best French and Greek schools in Bucharest. He continued his studies in math and physics at the University. He later landed a job in tourism which led to him working in the hospitality industry throughout his life. He was always surrounded by people, friends and family. He was the life of the party, which is why hospitality suited him so well.


During his early thirties George met his lovely wife, Mery. He pursued her for months with his charm and bouquets of flowers. He would take the train from Constanta to Bucharest for the day, just to see her for a few hours. Mery was charmed by his chivalry, persistence and intelligence. They were married in the fall of 1974 and had two children: Carolina and Andrei Stavrositu. They lived in Constanta until 1984.

Although George and his family lived a great life and were always surrounded by good friends and family in Romania, these were difficult times, and like many of his friends and close family members, George decided to leave Romania and build a better life for his family abroad. He left Romania in 1984 on a long journey, overcoming many obstacles for 2 years, until he would see his family again. In 1986, his lifelong friends, the Coceas, sponsored him and his family to come and reunite in Los Angeles. He started from scratch and rebuilt his life again. He worked in construction until he was hired at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, where spent 14 years. He worked hard 7 days a week, with no vacation for years. But he was the happiest and proudest man in the world because he was able to give his family a new life.


In 2001 his fate a surprising a turn. Soon after George turned 57 years old, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocitic Leukemia. This was 13 years ago, when he and his family began to fight the biggest fight of their lives. Although through chemotherapy, he was able to prolong his life, his body and immune system began to deteriorate causing many difficult health problems and frequent doctor visits on a quest for a cure. His devoted wife Mery spent the past 13 years by his side caring for him until his last breath. Her care and George's will to fight kept him alive to see his children build the lives he had dreamed of for them. He saw his beloved grandson grow into a little mirror version himself. And he was surrounded by his beloved family until his last breath. He fought so hard to stay alive and win the fight against this horrible disease the fate that took his life. But even in his last breath, his spirit, his passion, and love were in his eyes, holding on to his family.

George lived his life everyday for his family. His wit, his strength, his determination and most of all his dedication defined him. He worked hard, raised his children to work hard, be respectful, honest and fight for everything they believed in. He was provider, a generous man with a heart of gold and always willing to help others. His charisma was infectious, his sense of humor was witty and sharp, his honesty was to the point and direct - this is why so many love and respect him.


He has left a mark and impacted us all here today. Today we mourn the loss of a great man, father, husband, grandfather, friend, uncle, godfather, brother and son-in-law. But today, we must also celebrate the life of a great man, who lived graciously and will continue to live in our hearts forever.