George A. Lebamoff, 98, E-3, Private First Class, Regular Duty, Retired, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026. Born July 18th, 1927, he was the son of the late Argire and Helen (Lena) Lebamoff, who immigrated to America from Visheni, Kostur, Aegean Macedonia. His education includes St. Patrick Catholic School, South Side High School (Class of 1946), Indiana University and Huntington College. Shortly following graduation, his draft notice was received and George entered the US Army, serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC). His most significant assignment was with Headquarters Company, US Forces in Austria (APO 511). After completing his military service, George married Rosemary G. Tsiguloff on February 20, 1955. As they were building their family, George was also building upon his family’s grocery business. Through his vision and business savvy, Lebamoff’s Cap n’ Cork was born and grew into an entire chain of stores. Apart from work and family, George was a passionate lifelong supporter of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization (MPO), an organization dedicated to preserving the Macedonian-Bulgarian heritage and culture. He served on the central committee for many years including the position of President from 2006 - 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rosie, and their children, Debbie Doust (Joe), Andy (Deb), all of Fort Wayne, John (Michelle), of Arizona and Tom (Alexia) of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Kara (Phil), Joshua, Joseph (Jennifer), Olivia (Geoff), Natalie, Nolan, Chloe (Sam), Ciara (Casey), Claire and Whitney; great grandchildren, Selah, Noah, Sienna, Duke, Josiah, Oliver, Mabel, Barnaby, Rosemary, Theodore and Harlo. George was preceded in death by his parents, Argire and Lena, a sister, Marie Spahiev, and brothers, Ivan and Klement.

George’s legacy shines through his love and devotion to God and family, his dedicated service in the military, his retail innovations and his leadership in the MPO.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of George’s caregivers and to Heart to Heart Hospice.

Visitation will be 4-8pm on Friday, February 13, at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 North Clinton Street. Trisagion Prayer at 7pm. Funeral service is at 12pm, with visitation beginning one hour prior, on Saturday, February 14, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, 3535 Crescent Avenue. Officiated by Father Joshua Coolman. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6750 Covington Road. Military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be directed to St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, or the Macedonian Patriotic Organization, 122 West Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.