Eight Bells: George M. Uznis

George M. Uznis

George M. Uznis, 76, of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Bay Harbor, MI passed away peacefully January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was a former resident of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

George was born May 28, 1949, to John and Evelyn Uznis. He grew up in Dearborn, where he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Dearborn High School. There, he played football and excelled as a swimmer and diver. He was a rower, skier, and an accomplished sailor, navigating both the Great Lakes and the open ocean.

In 1970, George married the love of his life, Mary Ann. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage.

George made a lasting impact as a third-generation builder, working alongside his father, John F., brother, John C., brother-in-law, Tom, and nephew, John C., at John F. Uznis Builders. Together, they built and renovated beautiful homes throughout Michigan and Florida while also developing apartment complexes and subdivisions across Michigan.

George lived life to the fullest and was fueled by his passion for the water and sailing. A renowned sailor, he earned the coveted “Double Goat” designation by completing more than 25 Bayview–Mackinac races and more than 25 Chicago Yacht Club Races to Mackinac.

George and his brother John owned the racing yachts, Hotflash and Nitissima, and together with close friends competed in numerous regattas and offshore races. He was highly respected within the sailing community and raced in the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit, as well as the Newport Bermuda Race.

Many of his closest friendships were made through the sport of sailing. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren to sail and coaching them as they grew older and began to compete.

George was a member of the Bay Harbor Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club, Cruising Club of America, and Lauderdale Yacht Club, where he was recognized for his support of the junior sailing program. Additionally, he was a longtime member of the Bayview Yacht Club, where he was instrumental in supporting and strengthening its junior sailing program.

He also was a member of the Detroit Golf Club, Country Club of Detroit and Coral Ridge Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with Mary Ann and their friends.

George was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale and attended Mass every Sunday morning. He also was a generous supporter of St. Anthony Catholic School, Holy Cross Health Fort Lauderdale, and Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann; sister, Sharon; son, Mike (Caileen); daughter, Gretchen (Michael); and beloved grandchildren, Anna, Lauren, Andy, Jake and Therese. George was predeceased by his parents, John F. and Evelyn Uznis; and brother, John. George’s life was defined by his deep love for and unwavering devotion to his family.

Above all else, George will be remembered by all who knew him for his profound love and devotion to his family, which remained the central focus of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
• Sailing Foundation of Florida (1725 SE 12th, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316), lycsf.org/ways-to-help/#donate
• Bayview Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program (100 Clairpointe, Detroit, MI 48215), https://www.bycjuniorsailing.org/donate
• Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215), bit.ly/4rg6hI5

Source: https://www.grossepointenews.com/articles/george-m-uznis/