George Charles Svokos
Uniontown
George Charles Svokos, of Uniontown, devoted husband, father, and friend, died Monday, June 8, 2026. He left a legacy of education, kindness, and love.
Born in Uniontown to Greek immigrant parents, George was proud of his heritage – most evident as he deftly clicked away for hours on a set of Greek worry beads.
George attended West Virginia University before joining the U.S. Army, where he served as a Morse code instructor – a role that would ultimately lead him to a career as an educator.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, he attained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State Teachers College (now PennWest California University).
During those early years as a young teacher, he met and married Pat, who would turn out to be the love of his life. Together they built a family he treasured. Some of George and Pat’s happiest times were spent in Key Colony Beach in the Florida Keys, where they returned year after year and built lasting friendships.
George never passed up a chance to swap stories and laugh with dear friends, or dig into a good piece of coconut cream pie.
His teaching career started at North Union High School, followed by more than 30 years as a beloved history teacher at Laurel Highlands Senior High School. He had a deep love of history and a gift for bringing the past to life in his classroom, touching the lives of countless young people along the way.
While at Laurel Highlands, he served as assistant athletic director and founded the school’s Interact Club, a service organization sponsored by the Rotary Club.
He was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, and of Laurel Lodge No. 651, Free and Accepted Masons, where he attained the rank of 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.
George was a born storyteller who never met a stranger, which made him a perfect fit for his post-retirement job of driving the tour bus around Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob, where he delighted in conversation with the many whom he shepherded around the grounds.
The students, friends, family members, and strangers fortunate enough to cross his path are better for having known him. He will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Thelma Svokos; his sister, Koula Svokos Hartnett; and nephew, Marc Hartnett.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Svokos; his daughter, Heather Svokos; and daughter-in- law, Anne Malone; son, John G. Svokos and his partner, Lisa; and nephew, Xackery Irving.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a charity of one’s choice.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.