George Tanous

George Tanous, age 91, of Swansea, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Born at home in 1930 to Najaim and Eugenie "Jenny" (Sabra) Tanous in the Flint section of Fall River, he lived in the city until 1956 when he moved to his home in Swansea. He was a 1949 graduate of BMC Durfee High School.

An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he spent most of his life as a professional musician. He played saxophone with the Mark Wayne Quartet and toured extensively with them throughout the Midwest and West Coast. He also performed with his own quartet as well as his brother’s band for many years. He taught music at the Shoob Music School and gave private lessons in his home.

He created the character “Georgie the Four-Eyed Bear” and performed in costume at area schools, showing children that physical disabilities, such as his blindness, need not prevent one from living a fulfilling life.

George was predeceased by all of his siblings: Frederick Tanous, Rose Mizher, Jamelle Abdullah, Alice Musto, Mabel Kennedy, and Thomas Tanous.

He is survived by his son, Bradley Weeks, his nieces: Jeanine Fortin, Tracey Montilla, Joy Hallal, and Jamelle Lyons, and nephews: James Musto, Najaim Musto, Michael Musto, William Musto, and Thomas Tanous.

He will be dearly missed by friends and family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 28, at 10 AM at St. Anthony of the Desert Church. Burial will be at Vinnicum Cemetery in Swansea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://donate.fightingblindness.org/webdonation

Arrangements by Auclair Funeral Home.

Online condolences at AuclairFuneralHome.com.