George A Silhavy, also known as "King George", went to heaven on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones.  His family was blessed to have him home during his last few days.

George was born on February 24, 1933, in St. Louis, MO, the youngest son of Jerry and Bessie Silhavy nee Marik.  He attended Grant Elementary School in St. Louis until 6th grade until his family moved to Belleville, Illinois.  There he attended Belleville Junior High School, Belleville Township High School and Belleville Junior College.

George was very proud of his military service. In 1949, George lied about his age in order to join the 44th Division National Guard Battery B in Belleville when he as only 16 years old. He worked his way up from recruit to Captain and attended leadership school at Fort Leonard Wood. He taught basic training for a short period of time, then he was transferred to Camp Cook in California where he learned how to operate the 105 Howitzer.  At just 18 years old, George was deployed overseas to Korea with a few of his buddies.  While stationed overseas, he became a golden glove boxer, as his brother Jerry had taught him. During the 13 months he served his country in the Korean War, he fought in 2 battle campaigns. He earned battle ribbons, Korean Presidential Citation and meritorious service medals. He served in the National Guard for 17 years.

George returned to Belleville after the Korean War where he became an apprentice for meatcutters and cut meat for 10 years at the A & P store. His father was also a meat cutter by trade. While working at the A & P, he earned his certificate from Belleville Junior College.  George then worked for one year as a binding estimator for Donnelly Company Book Binders. He then began working at AAA and they sent him to school to be an insurance agent.  George worked for AAA for 6 years when he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Fischer. He continued as an insurance agent for the next 16 years at the Reiss Agency in New Baden, Illinois and then opened his own business in Fairview Heights, Illinois, Silhavy Insurance Services, until he retired at the age of 80. George loved meeting and talking with people and helping them get the best insurance rates possible.

George and Mary Ann married on September 7, 1963, at St. Peter's Cathedral in Belleville, Illinois and started their family shortly thereafter.  In 1965, they moved to Collinsville, Illinois and George began creating his lasting footprint including Lector, Usher, Money Counter, Eucharistic Minister, Choir, President of the SS. Peter and Paul Parent's Club, Liturgy Committee and the Booster Club where he helped start their successful Saturday night Bingo to raise money for the church and school. For 25 years, George and his committee ran the bingo and he was a regular Bingo caller where he was well known for his way of calling "I – 22 (Two-Two)". Another fundraiser for the church and school was the picnic where George ran the Big 6 Wheel. This became a long running event for the church and school where he not only had fun but was able to contribute to the success of the church and school his family attended.

George loved kids and loved bringing a smile to their faces. For over 50 years, he had a special role at Christmas where he visited numerous organizations in his favorite red outfit and donned his white beard.  George's first time to where the suit was for a close friend's family when the children lost their father tragically in a car accident and he wanted to help. He rented his red suit for $5.00. Word spread about his talent and his generosity and for over 50 years he volunteered as the jolly fellow where kids sat on his lap and shared with him what they wanted for Christmas. He bought a nice suit and everything he needed, even recruiting a Mrs. and elves to help. He shared his talent for organizations such as Junior Service Club Breakfast with Santa, Rotary Club, SS. Peter and Paul School, Knights of Columbus and various friends and families, including a yearly Christmas Eve gathering with special friends. George only stopped after he felt his kids and grandkids would recognize him and he didn't want to spoil the "Christmas Magic" for them.

Several of George's children attended Althoff Catholic High School and George wanted to continue giving back so he served as President and Vice President of the Althoff Father and Friends Club for many years.

George was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as a 4th degree knight, a scribe and delivered the chalice at funerals.  He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.

George loved fishing and was a longtime member of the Dover Boys, formed in 1982.  In 1984, the Dover Boys and Joe Ashmann, of Ashmann's pharmacy, started the Italian Fest in Collinsville, Illinois, which continues today.  They were famous for their Banga Cauda, which was a yearly favorite. One year, The Dover Boys brought "Real Italian Beauty Queens" to the Italian Fest and when the limo pulled up, everyone was surprised to see George and several friends dressed in skirts, wigs and full makeup.  They were a hit!  A memory that is still talked about today. When the limo broke down when they were leaving, the Italian Beauties were able to show their versatility by pushing the limo down the street.

George married Mary Ann on September 7, 1963, and passed away just days before their 60th wedding anniversary.  They were blessed with 6 children, Lisa, Joe, Bob, Jon, Jason, and Mary. His legacy lives on in his 10 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.  George and Mary Ann have been amazing role models for family as husband and wife, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

George enjoyed singing karaoke and was a regular in many venues across Collinsville and Belleville. He had many followers and was known as "King George". His favorite song to sing was anything by Frank Sinatra but "My Way" was his favorite.  At his 90th birthday part in February, he was able to sing as well has he had years ago. It always brought a smile to his face when anyone would recognize him and ask, "Are you King George?" and tell him how much they enjoyed his singing.

Faith, family and friends were very important to George. In addition to spending time with family and friends, he enjoyed many activities over the years including bowling, fishing, the Cardinals and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.  He was their biggest fan! George never knew a stranger, he made friends everywhere he went and made lasting impressions on everyone he met. He also contributed to the Kellsie's Hope Foundation.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Bessie and his brother, Jerry.

George will forever live in the memories of his family, friends and the stories he told.  He will be greatly missed by his children, Lisa (Silhavy) Paschke and husband Mark of St. Louis, MO, Joe and Melody(Santos) of Collinsville, Bob of Collinsville, Jon and Denise (Ellis) of Collinsville, Jason and Kelli (Dickerson) of Fairview Heights, Illinois and Mary (Silhavy)Maliszewski and husband Steve of O'Fallon, MO; 10 grandchildren, Joey Silhavy (Ashlyn), Michael Silhavy, Nicholas Silhavy (Kristin), Jarod Silhavy, Devon Silhavy, Bella Silhavy, Owen Silhavy, Hannah Maliszewski, Claire Maliszewski, and Charlie Maliszewski; 3 great-grandchildren Collins Silhavy, Max Silhavy and Hadley Silhavy; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and fans.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 4pm-8pm at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL, and from 9:30am-10:30am at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Mike and Father John officiating. Interment will follow in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery with his grandchildren serving as pallbearers.

The family requests donations made to St. Peter and Paul School in Collinsville, IL and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.