The Doylestown business community and the regional soccer community lost an icon on Monday, July 19, as George Garthly, 92, passed away. He was the long-time proprietor of Striker Soccer, believed to be the second oldest soccer store in the country and the second oldest retail establishment in Doylestown.
George got started in business at an early age and continued a life-long passion for serving customers. He served in the Army during the Korean War.
After the Army, George worked at Bryn Mawr College. There he met his beloved Amy, the love of his life. Theirs was a storybook romance with a 52-year happily-ever-after. Together they raised four children.
Through Striker Soccer, he touched the lives of countless young soccer players who knew him affectionately as “Mr. G.” After the passing of “Mrs. G”, George volunteered with the Doylestown Hospice. His family is comforted by the many stories of kindness and service that his customers and friends have left on social media.
In his final days, George offered his family a prescription for a happy life: Be kind to each other and build a life of love.
He will be keenly missed by his brother, Roger Garthly (Jan), Laceyville; his four children: David Garthly, Doylestown, Amy Rubin (Ken), Hillsborough, NJ, Sara Garthly, Doylestown, and Neil Garthly (Jess), Brick, NJ and his five grandchildren: Amy, Kayla, and Talia Rubin; Madyson Garthly; and Taylor Kinnear.
The family received condolences on Sunday, July 25, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. over Zoom (https://tinyurl.com/RememberingGeorgeGarthly). Favorite stories and memories of George will be much appreciated.
A service of remembrance was held on July 26, at 7:00 p.m. over Zoom at the same link.
A military tribute is scheduled for August.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Amy Heinel Garthly Foundation for Medical Research (AHGFMR), 110 S. West Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901.
Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, Doylestown
www.reedandsteinbach.com
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