George Zugravu, at the age of 24, fell asleep peacefully in the Lord on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at UConn Health Hospital surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Manhattan, NY on April 12, 2000, beloved son of Rev. Dr. George Zugravu, Dean of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Hartford, and Presvytera Maria Claudia Zugravu of West Hartford.

A faithful young man, George truly loved the Lord and His church where he served in the altar alongside his father for his entire life. He was not only the son of a priest but considered a son of the cathedral, where the community watched him grow from a youngster to an accomplished young man. As a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, he cultivated many friendships with his peers and parishioners from HOPE, JOY, GOYA, Sunday School, Greek School, Oratorical Festival, basketball, and Greek dancing.

He had a gentle heart and always showed genuine compassion and love for the welfare of others before himself. Gifted with an extraordinary intelligence, he was able to offer advice to those surrounding him in a very discreet manner that made him a good and trusted friend. During his free time, he enjoyed reading about the life of the saints, cooking gourmet foods, writing icons, watching sports, traveling, or even making his famous sourdough bread.

George will be remembered for his deep faith, love and commitment to the Orthodox Church. His most cherished times were his visits to Mount Athos with his father where they spent days among the monastics peacefully in prayer. During his pilgrimages through Greece, Holy Land, Romania and United States of America, the desire to follow in his father's footsteps as a priest became stronger than ever before. His desire to enroll and study theology was cut short by his battle with cancer.

Although his dreams on Earth did not fully materialize, we are assured in our faith that he is at peace and solace among the saints and holy angels.  His memory will be eternally cherished by all whom he loved and by many who knew and loved him. May he find eternal rest in the bosom of Abraham where the righteous repose where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Memory eternal and blessed paradise dear George.

He is survived by his parents, Fr. George and Presvytera Maria Claudia Zugravu; his soft spot and loving sister Maria Elena, grandmother Marioara Timar, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, 10:00am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave. Hartford, CT 06114 with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with a Trisagion Service at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Hartford in support of George's favorite charity. The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT has charge of arrangements. To share a memory of George, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com