George Shurrush

MADISON - George J. Shurrush, age 77, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016. He was born on January 11, 1938 to Jamil and Rhadee Shurrush in Haifa, Israel.

George took on great responsibilities from a very young age, caring for his father and six younger siblings. He was a self-taught musician. He played the violin in an orchestra, and the piano at church. His drive and love for learning naturally lead him to a career in painting and wallpapering.

George created his own legacy. He met and married the love of his life, Salimeh Hakim, on September 11, 1965. In search of new opportunities, he sought a better life and education for his family, making the difficult choice to leave his childhood family and home behind. It was the hardest decision he ever made. Sponsored by his brother-in-law Abe Hakim, George immigrated to Madison, WI in January of 1976 with his wife and four young children. With very few belongs, little money, and speaking no English, George found work through Ned Schmitt at the Wallpaper Shop in Madison, WI. With a strong work ethic, he started his own company, Custom Painting and Wallpapering. His pride and love for the trade was passed on to his son, Alex, who worked with him for many years. George was considered by many to be the premier painter and wallpaper hanger in the country. He won multiple awards for his artistic talent and won first place every time he competed nationally.

George was a gentleman, a perfectionist and dedicated family man. He adored his wife, and lived for his children, and grandchildren. George enjoyed socializing with friends and family, gardening, WWE wrestling, music, and talking Middle East politics. George is survived by his wife Salimeh (Hakim), his daughters Jackie (Tom) Melah, Joanna Burish, Susan Piazza (Brian Waelti), and son Alex Shurrush; his grandchildren Jake, Kelsey, Raquel, Brooke, Chris, Max, Amber, Lexi, Makenzy, Austin, Ben, and great-grandson Kayden, his sisters Georgette and Rhadia/Rhadee, his brothers Jawad and Edwar, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jamil, his mother Rhadee, his step-mother, Suria, his sister Jeannette, and his brother Jamal.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 and will continue from 10:00-11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, followed by a 12:00 PM (noon) lunch at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison WI 53705. Burial will take place following the luncheon at 2:00 PM at Forest Hill Cemetery located at 1 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, 53705.

In lieu of flowers, all donations will be given to the Nazareth Hospital. Checks can be made out directly to "EMMS Nazareth Hospital".
http://www.nazarethtrust.org/donate

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406