George W. De Antonis, Jr.

George W. De Antonis, Jr. June 6, 1940 - January 11, 2011 Long-time St. Augustine businessman George W. De Antonis, Jr., 70, passed away January 11, 2011 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, ending a 5 year battle with cancer. His doctors said he will always be remembered for his optimism, many questions, and his intense interest in what was happening during the many long difficult treatments. These same character traits served him well in his St. Augustine business career starting in 1981 as vice-president of finance at St. Augustine Trawlers. Purchasing Ancient City Cab in 1986 he developed the business into the largest cab company in the area. He also became a member of the St. Johns Transportation Commission providing support for creating a comprehensive regional transportation plan. Born June 6, 1940 in Morgantown, West Virginia, he graduated high school there and obtained his BSBA degree from Salem College in 1964. He held financial positions with Owens-Illinois, Kaiser Aluminum, Florida Rock Industries, and served his country in the United States Army Reserve for 12 years. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Joyce; one daughter, Lisa Register (Roy); and one son, Scott De Antonis (Heather), all of St. Augustine. He has three grandsons, Justin and Matthew Register and Eric De Antonis and two granddaughters, Sierra and Sadie De Antonis. Other surviving family members include a sister, Judith Zinn (Jerry) of St. Augustine, and a brother, John De Antonis (Susan) of Orange Park. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth De Antonis who were St. Augustine residents. In recent times, George devoted much of his energy to being "Poppie" to his grandchildren, promoting school work and artistic endeavors. He also translated a great joy of his life, swimming, by teaching all of them how to swim. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday January 15, 2011 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A visitation beginning at 1:00 PM will precede the services. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, of which he was a member, or to the American Cancer Society. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.