George J. Baxewanis

George J. Baxewanis, 88, Kenhorst, recognized by a Greek Orthodox bishop for his work as a church choir director, died Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. in Wyomissing Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Reading, where he had been a patient since Aug. 13.

He was the husband of Mary (Chaknos) Baxewanis.

Born in Lancaster, he was a son of the late John and Angeliki (Stringas) Baxewanis.

Baxewanis had been employed for 17 years as an assembler by Textile Machine Works, later Rockwell International, Wyomissing, retiring in 1982. He previously worked 25 years as a knitter for Berkshire Knitting Mills, Wyomissing.

He was a member of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading.

Baxewanis was choir director at the parish for 65 years, retiring in 2002.

He was awarded the designation of Ymnodos, singer of hymns, by Bishop Germanos of Nyssis in both 1940 and 1941.

He received a national proclamation from the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America during a July 2000 reception held by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Musicians.

Baxewanis served as president of the parish council in 1964 and 1967 and was vice president four other years.

He served on the church building and 75th anniversary committees.

Also surviving are two daughters, Joyce B. (Baxewanis) Zervanos and Ann B. (Baxewanis) Kraras, both of Wyomissing; and two brothers, William, Kenhorst, and Anthony, Ormond Beach, Fla.

There are also four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in SS. Constantine and Helen Church. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements.