George Thomas Serbinoff

George Thomas Serbinoff passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on March 3, 2016. He was born on October 21, 1926 in Keego Harbor, Michigan. He was the son of first generation Americans, Thomas and Anna Serbinoff, who emigrated from Bitola, Macedonia. He grew up surrounded by the traditions of the Macedonian community Northwest of Detroit. While a senior in high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, training as an airborne paratrooper. His unit was scheduled to take part in the planned invasion of Japan in 1945, but the war ended with the surrender of Japan in August 1945. Following discharge from the Army, George attended the University of Michigan, graduating with dual degrees in History and Russian language. While at Michigan, he played violin in the University orchestra. One of his professors was instrumental in George being hired by the U.S. Department of State. George started his career at the State Department working on the Bulgarian desk. While in Washington, he courted Patricia Ann Vandenberg, a hometown sweetheart back in Michigan, bringing his bride to the nation’s capital to join him on his career journeys. George’s government career included various assignments with the Voice of America, serving as a speechwriter for the Secretary of Defense, and as Director of the America Houses in both Frankfurt and Tuebingen, Germany. In 1968, George and his family returned to the U.S., settling in Largo, MD, where George, Pat and their 5 children put down roots after 8 years abroad. George remained in Government service in the D.C. area until retiring in 1985. His final assignment was as a speechwriter for the Department of Agriculture. In retired life George was active and followed his passions. He took up the violin again, giving lessons and honing his musical skills. He was an avid chess player, and an aggressive competitor in local chess circles (and on-line as the computer age dawned). He loved classical music and amassed quite a library that he shared with his family and friends. George developed a keen appreciation for films of the Golden Age of Hollywood. He was always eager to have friends and family join him in a Bogart, Cagney or Hitchcock film. When the personal computer hit the market, George always wanted the latest and greatest innovations. The first to buy the newest technology, he embraced the wonders of the desktop computer. George became a devout Christian and dedicated much of his time to church activities and causes. He ministered to youth at the Upper Marlboro Detention Center and later for Teen Challenge. He also played violin in his church orchestra. George is survived by Patricia, his wife of 63 years, five children: son Peter Serbinoff of Fort Lauderdale, FL; daughters Christine Balasi (Victor) of King George, VA; Sandra Holland of Upper Marlboro; Anna Azmi of North Beach, MD; and Catherine Valentine (Eddie) of Waldorf, MD; brother Christopher Serbinoff (Judith); grandchildren Raven and Eddie Valentine; and cousins George and Peter Antonios. Funeral Services will be held at the Raymond Wood Funeral Home, 10684 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, MD on March 11, 2016. The viewing will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, followed by the service from 1:00 to 1:45 pm.Burial will follow the service at Cheltenham Cemetery at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capitol Area Chapter, 10665 Stanhaven Place #205d, White Plains, MD 20695 or to The National Capitol Area Teen Challenge, PO Box 62776, Washington, DC 20029.

 Service Information