Date of Service:
September 26, 2021
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
On September 17th, 2021, George Zaleuke of Sebastian Florida, known to many in Indian River County and beyond as Coach George, officially hung up his whistle for good, passing away at the age of 62 at Sebastian River Medical Center. Born April 11, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri to Donald and Doralee Zaleuke, George was raised in Louisville, Kentucky where he graduated from Jesse Stuart High School in 1977, upon which the Zaleuke family relocated to Florida where he would reside for the remainder of his life.
He is survived by his wife Marty Zaleuke of Sebastian, FL, daughter Kristin Zaleuke Westberg and her husband Joe Westberg and their children Kelsey Westberg, Kirby Claire Westberg, and Grice Westberg; son George Michael Zaleuke III of Rochester, MN and his son Mason Zaleuke; stepsons Eric Luke and Josh Luke, brother Don Zaleuke, Jr. and his wife Alisha Zaleuke, and sisters Cathy McVay-Cox, Debra Zaleuke Isbell, and Mary Zaleuke.
A resident of Indian River County since 1983, George was known to many as The Blind Man, since the Zaleuke family owned The Palm Beacher and Vero Beacher Verticals, and currently owns Sebastian Blinds & Shutters, serving the window covering needs of customers locally for decades.
But most people know Coach George as a fixture in the Indian River County football community, where for the last 38 years, he not only coached, but inspired and impacted athletes from recreation leagues through high school, including the Vero Beach Recreation Department, Sebastian Panthers Football League, Sebastian River High School, and finished his coaching career as the running backs coach for the Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians. He strived to instill many important lessons in life that extended to the football field and beyond the gridiron. Besides Coach, his most cherished title was Pappaw, and his love for his family and especially his four grandchildren that he adored was evident to all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Coach George Zaleuke will be held on Sunday, September 26th at 3:00 PM at the Citrus Bowl at Billy Livings Field in Vero Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers and to carry on his legacy, the family has created the “Cleats from Coach George” Fund, which will be used to meet the needs of players in the community and provide blessings and gifts of love in Coach’s memory. Donation checks can be mailed to Seacoast Bank, 1110 Roseland Road, Sebastian, FL 32958, made payable to Martha Zaleuke, or deposited directly at any Seacoast Bank branch into account number 4320925526.
It has been said that “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” Coach George can finally retire knowing he changed many lives for the better and will be missed by all.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Carrie and Bob Shields - Friend
September 21, 2021, 2:29 pm
Zaleuke family, our deepest sympathy.
Kathy Dufton Alexander Alexander - Childhood schoolmate friend
September 21, 2021, 2:56 pm
To the Zaleuke family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. George was such a funny guy, could remember things from childhood that would guggle my memory. George loved coaching & that resonated from him growing up in the game. Condolences & prayers. Kathy Dufton Alexander
M.N. - n/a
September 21, 2021, 4:06 pm
I was not fortunate to have met him, I know his wife. Such beautiful and thoughtful words for a man who obviously impacted so many lives. Godspeed…..
Mariselly
September 21, 2021, 4:31 pm
I am deeply sorry Marty. May you and your family receive comfort and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Big Hug.
Greg Maynor - classmate & teammate
September 21, 2021, 9:13 pm
Deepest sympathies to the Zaleuke family. I’m so sorry to hear of George’s passing. We were classmates from Stonestreet Elementary through Jesse Stuart HS (Class of ’77). More importantly, we played football together in Prairie Village Little League (PVLL) and at Stuart. In PVLL we played on opposing teams. I was on the Rams and George was on the Packers with his Dad Don the coach. I’ve always thought of George as one of the “good guys.” He always possessed a positive outlook and high level of energy, in addition to a great sense of humor. Although we didn’t see each other except for maybe a reunion after HS, we exchanged some emails along with some other PVLL/Spartan alums in 2008, and of course some debate arose as to which PVLL team of our day was THE BEST. George settled it for all with this comment – “Remember, there are only two types of players: Those who ARE Packers, and those who wanted to BE Packers. 67, 68, 69 UNDEFEATED League Champions. Green and White (Gold) forever!” God Bless You George.
Jeanne Brockway
September 21, 2021, 9:27 pm
My Sincerest Condolences to the Zaleuke family. ~Jeanne
Lynne and Richard - Friends
September 21, 2021, 10:36 pm
We are so, so sorry We knew DJ since he was in high school and watched him grow to a young man and father.
He was a part of many of our times with you all on the island. He was a very caring young man and we will miss him immensely.
Lynne and Richard - Friend of Marys
September 21, 2021, 10:49 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. .
Trish Coffey - Friend
September 22, 2021, 2:17 am
Thoughts and Prayers to my friend Mary and her entire family..
Millie Androwicz - Friend
September 22, 2021, 2:46 am
So sorry, Mary…my thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP…
Eric McGee - Friend
September 23, 2021, 1:53 am
George was a special guy, it was a privilege to know him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Zaleuke family.
Art & Becky Holtan - Neighbors and Friends
September 23, 2021, 3:21 pm
We send our love and condolences to the entire Zaleuke family. Kristen and Mike we have such fond memories of our days as next-door neighbors on Rainbow Drive! You will always be part of our family! We wish we were closer and could join you on Sunday. We will be with you in spirit!
Roe Ryan - Friend
September 24, 2021, 2:43 pm
I worked with George several years ago. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a nice guy! He will be missed. RIP George. Prayers to the family. ~ Roe
Kelly Kuhens - Classmate
September 25, 2021, 3:52 am
When I think of the last time I saw George I see his face just laughing away. It was at our class reunion. He was having a ball as we all were. Then my mind goes to the days in high school he and the guys in the hall shooting the breeze with George just again, laughing away. I guess that’s how I’ll always remember him, well that and that sweaty football look…but just really enjoying life. Just a great guy who grew to be a great man. He had the greatest stories and could recall so much. I was amazed. Must have been the salt air. My deepest sympathy to all of you..his loved ones. He certainly has a wonderful family. I am impressed with the strength and grace that has been shown by Kristin. I appreciate her keeping contact with us here in Ky. I love the “popsicle post. So fitting. He touched so many young people’s lives and will continue to, with the foundation that has been set up. You all are in my prayers. God bless and comfort you all. RIP GZ
Indre Kirla - Marty's work friend
September 26, 2021, 1:19 am
My deepest condolences to the family, strenght and healing, you are in my thoughts ❤
Cindy Moon - Co worker
September 26, 2021, 7:52 pm
Cyndi Moon -Marty’s coworker . Your entire family are in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time .
June Conradi - Friend of Mary’s
October 2, 2021, 7:36 pm
Mary, I know he was on your heart and mind and I am so sorry for this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.