Jan 2, 2013

George A. Khalouf, 74, of Venetia, died Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

He was born April 21, 1938, in Blairsville.

During his early childhood, he moved with his family to Irwin, where his father ran a small grocery store where he and his friends helped out. When he graduated from Irwin High School and at age 21, his father gave him a gold pocket watch in appreciation of his perfect Sunday school attendance and his never having smoked nor used alcohol.

Mr. Khalouf attended the University of Pittsburgh as an English major and was active on the debate team. He told of traveling through the south during the ’60s and when his debate team stopped at a restaurant for dinner, the owner would not serve the one black member of the team. So the entire debate team got up and left the restaurant. He also briefly attended Duquesne Law School.

After school, he worked as an insurance adjustor and subsequently as the editor of a small Pittsburgh publishing company, Stanwix House. He later established his own photography business, photographing hundreds of weddings, reunions and commercial projects.

He was active in community affairs, serving for 13 years on the Peters Township School Board and for nine years on the Peters Township Sanitary Authority, as well as working at the polls on a regular basis. He was active on the election board in Peters Township. He was an active member of Center Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He was a member of Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Sports Club and Library Sportsman Club, where he loved shooting trap.

Mr. Khalouf enjoyed his most recent work with Beinhauer Funeral Homes as a member of their staff.

Surviving are his wife, Dolores; a son, Drew; a daughter, Sarah and husband Ilan Lake; grandchildren Tsila and Aziza; and brother Arthur.

Deceased are two brothers, Dr. Herbart Khalouf and Raymond Khalouf.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 5, in Center Presbyterian Church, Center Church Road, McMurray. Everyone please meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.