George F. Kilburg

George F. Kilburg, age 77, peacefully passed away at St. John Medical Center of natural causes on October 27, 2023.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 27, 1946, to George P. Kilburg (deceased) and Elizabeth H. Balaam - Kilburg (deceased). George was raised in Cleveland's west side suburbs with his four younger sisters, Joyce (deceased), Cindy, Jeannine and Patricia.

Always intrigued by technology and adventure, George entered the U.S. Navy just after high school to become a submariner. After honorably fulfilling his obligations on USS Threadfin (Key West, FL) he joined the Army National Guard where he served as a combat medic with the 316th AeroMedEvac unit. This endeavor ignited his love for flying. George went on to build a career in corporate aviation spanning several decades, introducing him to many people and places the world over. 

Flying private jet powered aircraft also fueled his passion and involvement in motorsports. He poured his energy into building, modifying, and driving open-wheeled race cars with his family and friends. He was a founding member of M.O.R.E. (Mini-Champ Outlaw Racing Enterprises) which opened new opportunities, for many, to local circle track racing. He also competed in the SCCA Formula 440 North-East Ohio Regional Series before retiring comfortably in North Olmsted, Ohio with his wife Barb.

After Barb's untimely passing (2018), George relocated and lived out his remaining years in Brecksville, Ohio. There, he continued to exercise his never ending desire for creativity by designing various pieces on his computer and producing them on his 3-D printer.

At the end of the day, he loved to unwind with an old movie, sitting by the fire surrounded by loved ones.

He was held dear to many for his wild sense of humor, lightning quick whit, highly playful nature and magnetic charm. He carried these traits, keeping people laughing, to the very last moments and will forever be missed. 

George is survived by his sisters; Cindy Ruic, Jeannine Edlund (Dave) and Patricia Jogan, his children; Jackie Thompson, George Kilburg, Stacey Zahuranec (Bonnie), Dave Kilburg, Kristen Kilburg, his grandchildren; George & Sarah Kilburg, Peyton & Bayleigh Skernivitz, Spencer Thompson, Matt Collecchi, Cynthia & Grace Fisak.

Military Honors and interment will take place at 1:15 pm December 8, 2023 in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273.

Kevin J. Ruic

April 15, 1943 - December 13, 2018

Kevin J. Ruic Beloved husband of Cynthia (Kilburg); father of Scott (Kathleen), Susan Hall (Bill), Christine Anderson (Ken), Brandon Trowbridge, Lissa O’Neil, and Lauren Hofmann; grandfather of Heather, Nicholas, Jacob, Noel, Hunter, Christopher, Kylah, Kaylen, Chloe, Dan, and Thomas; brother of Paul, Owen, Brian, Mark, and Bruce (deceased); longtime friend of Bill Bader; uncle, friend and brother in law of many. 

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Rockport United Methodist Church 3301 Wooster Road Rocky River, OH 44116. A reception will follow. 

Barbara Kilburg

April 25, 1952 - June 9, 2018

Barbara L. Kilburg (nee Kellar) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2018. She fought a long, hard battle of various health issues with grace, dignity, hard-headed determination and an enormous amount of faith. In the end, her heart finally said "enough". Barb is survived by her husband, George Kilburg; mother, Marlene Wood; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Jan Kellar; her daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Schaun Staley and Tara and Don Gemmell; her step daughters Jackie Thompson and Kristen Kilburg (Jim Skernivitz); her step sons, George Kilburg (Ardelle), David Kilburg and Stacey Zahuranec; 12 grandchildren and many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Barb requested donations be made to Seidman Cancer Center or Hospice of the Western Reserve. 

Interment will take place at a later date.