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"Hold At All Costs"
By Don Smart
History of the Tank Destroyer Forces
World War II Tank Destroyer Society
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This page last updated
04/18/2024
Stanley
George Zabetakis, 86, of Sun City Center, FL., peacefully passed in his
sleep on July 15, 2008 at his home. In 1922 he was born to George and
Stella Zabetakis, a coal miner’s family, who had immigrated from Greece
to Burgettstown, PA.. Stationed in Europe during World War II, he became
a tank destroyer battalion unit commander, and received a Good Conduct
medal, EAMET medal, Victory medal, as well as a battlefield commission
to 2nd Lieutenant. In 1945 he married his high school
sweetheart, Kay Vorinakis, eventually celebrating 63 years of marriage.
He attended the University of Pittsburgh and received Electrical
Engineering and Physics Degrees. To further his career with the Federal
Government he moved his family from Pennsylvania to Ohio where he
completed his 32 years of government service by joining the Air Force
Reserves and working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He lectured and
became published for his expertise in intelligence radars. He was also
active in Professional organizations such as the IEEE. Because of his
leadership ability, he rose to become the Branch Manager of the Foreign
Technology Division, a group of over 100 technology employees. In
addition to being elected president of the Beavercreek Association, his
community leadership was evidenced in his coaching of baseball,
basketball, and assisting with the boy scouts. His sports of choice were
softball and tennis, in which he excelled and enjoyed, playing into his
80’s. Stan eventually retired from the federal government and the
reserves as a Lt. Colonel, but not before being awarded the title,
"Federal Employee of the Year". Stan always wanted to live in Florida
and in 1980 moved with his wife to join their children there, and began
accommodating visitors from the North on a regular basis.
Stan was preceded to the great beyond by three (3) brothers, John, Emanuel, and Mike.
Stan is survived by his wife, Kay, three sons - Stan Jr., Mike, Champ, and seven (7) grandchildren (Alexis, Emily, Katee, George, Mike, Nick, and Zack), as well as many nephews and nieces. Stan also leaves behind siblings: Steve, Liberty, Kathryn and Nick.
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