George S. Papandria

George Samuel Papandria

87, Born July 10, 1933 passed away Friday evening, July 24th, as a result from complications in a car accident on Sunday June 14th.

George, a lifelong SB resident, was the youngest of 8 children in the Papandria family. George was cared for since birth by his oldest sister, Josie, that created a lifelong and inseparable bond between the two until Josie's death in 2010.

George was a member of Josie and Jim's family, spending every holiday, family function, Cubs and Bear games, and even family trips with the Bambers, becoming more of a brother than an uncle to their children.

George worked in a number of jobs and factories during his lifetime, but his longest and most recognized skill and trade was the bartender at the family restaurant, The Sunny Italy Cafe. He was a whiz behind the bar, single handedly serving drinks on ND football nights to over hundreds of patrons, and still, with his unique humor, entertaining the staff and customers at the same time, while arguing with Jimmie for putting too much booze into his drinks.

There are many ways to describe George, kind, generous, thoughtful, funny, caring, humble, fun to be around.  He was a "classic" as one friend described him.  There could have only been one George.

George graduated from St Joseph's grade school, Central High School and was an US Army Veteran having served in the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rose, brothers, Sam, Rock, Pete and Tony, sisters Josie and Anna, and is survived by his sister, Jennie Andrea. He was also preceded in death by his nephews. Mike Rhoads, Bob and Sonny Papandria, Butch and PJ Bamber, his niece Michelle Rhoads and great niece who he was very close to, Kate Elliott Ortega.

Due to the current health situation a family funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Kaniewski Funeral Home South Bend. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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