George Gerszen passed away peacefully on August 12, 2017, at the age of 83. He spent several years battling illness and was cared for by his devoted wife Sofia and daughter and son-in-law Mara and Gordon Knowlton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Miriam Gerszengorn, and sister Elisa and Clara. In addition to his loving wife of 42 years and daughter and son-in-law, George was a beloved zayde to his grandchildren Megan, Kaelen and Liam Knowlton. He was born Gregorio Gerszengorn on January 11, 1934, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On December 14, 1974, he married Sofia Szereszewski. In 1981, when their daughter Mara was five years old, the family immigrated to the U.S. and came to Houston. George was known as Jorge to many of his Spanish-speaking friends and relatives but also took on the Americanized name George and shortened the family’s last name to Gerszen.
George worked in a variety of sales positions throughout his career. He spoke English, Spanish, Russian, French and Yiddish. He was passionate about the U.S.A. and enjoyed strongly voicing his political positions. George always loved sports, especially the Argentinian soccer team River Plate. As a young man, he also enjoyed playing tennis and rugby. He was a good cook and enjoyed all kinds of music, especially classical and opera.
George was a selfless man who would not take any indulgences for himself, but would provide anything for his wife, daughter and grandchildren. Kind and sweet, George loved his family and devoted his life to their happiness.
Graveside funeral services took place on Mon., Aug. 14 at Rosewood Funeral Home, 2502 S. Houston Avenue in Humble with Rabbi Dan Gordon of Temple Beth Torah officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in George’s memory be made to Texas Children’s Hospital, Holocaust Museum Houston or Temple Beth Torah.