George John Slabowski, Jr.

George John Slabowski, Jr., 60, of Hanover, PA, entered God’s eternal care on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Hershey Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

Born October 26, 1962, in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late George John, Sr., and Barbara (Schuhmann) Slabowski. George was the loving husband of Caroline Ruth (O’Reilly) Slabowski, his high school sweetheart with whom he shared almost 39 years of marriage.

George was a 1980 graduate from Brentwood Ross High School in Brentwood, NY. After graduation, George was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point and served his country proudly in the U.S. Army. As a cadet at West Point, George played on the Army Lacrosse team and was a four-time All-American from 1981-84. He is just the third goalie in college lacrosse to be named an All-American four times in their career, including being named a First Team All-American in 1983. George led Army to four straight NCAA Tournament quarterfinal appearances, highlighted by a run to the semifinal round as a senior captain in 1984. Prior to that year, he was presented the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award in 1983 as the nation's most outstanding goalkeeper. He graduated from West Point in 1984 as the Army Athletic Association Award winner, as well as Army’s all-time leader in career saves and held that mark until 2008.

After graduating in 1984, George served 8 years in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Captain. During his service, George received the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal-Third Award, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. George forever remained passionate and proud of his service, his Army Lacrosse family, and as a graduate of the “Best of The Corps, Class of 1984”.

On September 14, 2018, George was inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame and then the Long Island-Metro Lacrosse Hall of Fame on January 26, 2019.

Following his military career, George worked 30 years in the manufacturing industry in increasing leadership roles, consistently demonstrating loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

In addition to his loving wife, Caroline, George is survived by his children, Sarah Van Zandt and her husband Nathan of Oley, PA, Melissa Slabowski of Savage, MD, Thomas Slabowski and his partner Steven Mizrahi of New York, NY, and Karen Hughes and her husband Nathan of Hagerstown, MD, grandchildren, Josie, Eliza, Autumn, Austin, and a grandson due in November. George also leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth (Slabowski) Rahne, and brother, Joseph Slabowski.

Following cremation, an inurnment service to celebrate George's life will be Monday, October 23, 2023 at 1:30 PM, at West Point Cemetery - The United States Military Academy, The Old Cadet Chapel, 219-253 Washington Rd, West Point, New York 10996.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of George may be made to the Army Lacrosse Endowment Fund, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996, or online at https://www.awplaxendowment.com.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA 17331, has been entrusted by the family with the arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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