Obituary of George Mihalo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of George Mihalo, at the age of 89 years.  Loving husband of Mary (nee Ondricko) for 64 years. Devoted father of Michael (Vincenza) and John (Claudia). Cherished Dido to Brandon, Nicholas, Matthew and Adam. Predeceased by his parents, George Sr. and Anna. Beloved friend to many, especially his Everts Ave. neighbourhood of 57 years.

George immigrated to Canada from Koromla, Slovakia in 1953, along with his mother, to join his father in Windsor.  He joined Dominion Stores in 1955, beginning a long career in grocery retail.  He worked at Dominion for 31 years, rising to the position of Store Manager, working at all of the stores in the Windsor area.  After leaving the company in 1986, he became the owner of The Bulk Food Warehouse in Ambassador Plaza. George loved to socialize and talk to his customers. He always had a story to share, and he had many encounters with famous people, including Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsey, Sparky Anderson, Pope John Paul II, amongst others.

George was extremely proud of his Slovak heritage. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Michael’s Church, where he met his future bride, Mary. He was very involved with the Slovak community, including the Slovak Villa apartments, the Slovak Village at the Carrousel of Nations, and he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Slovak Heritage Foundation of Windsor-Essex County.

He was a prolific singer, a member of the St. Michael’s choir and his own group of fellow “Slovak Singers”, who would perform at many Slovak cultural events, as well as impromptu sing-alongs at weddings and banquets. When he wasn’t singing, he was a devoted listener of the weekly Slovak Radio Hour, hosted by his dear friend, Mary Jacko.

George was a huge fan of Slovak hockey, always eager to attend a game when they played locally, or at Joe Louis Arena, when Slovak players began to play in the NHL. He was always able to talk his way into the dressing room, claiming to be a reporter for “The Slovak Press” covering the game. He developed a life-long friendship with the Stastny brothers, who played for the Quebec Nordiques. They came to visit George and Mary at their home, as well as other Slovak events in Windsor.

But most of all, George was the biggest fan of whichever sport his grandchildren played.  He was a fixture at the Vollmer Centre, proudly wearing his custom LaSalle Minor Hockey jacket with “Dido” embroidered on the arm, as well as Vets Park, cheering on his grandson’s baseball games. He loved to bowl, golf, and watch soccer and football.

George will be missed for his kind and loving nature. He always made everyone he met, feel special.

Donations may be made in memory of George to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel South 3048 Dougall Ave. (519-253-7236), on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 2-4pm & 7-9pm. Parish prayers will take place at 7:30pm.  Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 11:00am on Tuesday February 18, 2025. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.