April 29, 2023
Hundreds of people, some waiting outside the Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square for over an hour for doors to open, gathered together to celebrate the life and legacy of George Hrbek.
His remarkable life included working side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on social justice and civil rights issues, and his legacy included working as a minister with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries and a summer theater program that turned into the Near West Theatre that his wife Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek founded and ran for 40 years.
The celebration packed the Capitol Theatre, hosted by former Gund Foundation president Dave Abbott, and featured music by longtime NWT music director Bob Navis, scripture readings, hilarious memories by his son Seth Hrbek, and a eulogy by Hrbek’s protege, Rev. Melanie Morrison, Stephanie’s sister.
At the conclusion of the service in the theater, a New Orleans-style second line led a procession around the block to Near West Theatre, where a reception awaited, open to the community.
As CoolCleveland wrote, “Almost everyone in Cleveland knows of the work or felt the impact of George Hrbek, who passed away in February at the age of 91…” See CoolCleveland remembrance here.
View the VIDEO & PHOTOSTREAM here.
Photos & video by Thomas Mulready
https://coolcleveland.com/K2ZXC
Cleveland, OH 44102
Cleveland, OH 44102