Robert Henry George, 92, of Haverhill, passed away after a courageous battle with heart disease. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family on Sunday morning, June 10 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital Bedford.
The George family was a close group. His parents, the late Frank and Celestina George were enigmatic Italian American immigrants. Bob was predeceased by his brother Joe and sisters in-law Pat George and Mary Lou George, brothers in-law Silvio Fassio and James Rand. He leaves behind dear sisters Philomena Fassio, Mary Rand and brother Anthony George.
George was married to his lifelong sweetheart, Marilyn, for 64 years. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage, with family and friends in Bradford and Hampton Beach. He has missed and spoken daily of his loving wife Marilyn since her sudden passing two years ago. He was blessed with two adoring sons, Steven George and Frank and his wife Sandy George and is also survived by two cherished grandsons, Drew and Evan George. He also leaves several caring cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was a proud and decorated WWII Navy Veteran, assigned to LST 981. He participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944, engaged in the assault and occupation of Okinawa in May and June 1945.
His career included working for 30 years as a pipefitter at AT&T. George made and stayed in touch with many friends right up to his passing. His son Steve would like to thank Barbara Guerin for her love and support through all the years.
George was a member of the Sons of Italy Drum and Bugle Corps and enjoyed marching in many parades. Later in life his brother in-law Fred Battistini introduced him to running. George became a member of the YMCA, Rudy’s Tigers and Chadwick Runners. With his friends by his side, he was an avid biker, participating in trips all over New England and Canada. He climbed Mt. Washington several times. He most loved spending time with family at his Hampton Beach home of 36 years. He cherished sharing gatherings with family and friends for lobsters, steamers and beer. George enjoyed taking in a show at the Hampton Beach Center, especially the polka bands. He and his brothers made homemade wine beneath their father’s watchful eye for many years. He enjoyed a glass of vino before bedtime. It was with a big smile that he enjoyed a glass of wine before passing on.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 15, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main Street (Rte. 125), Haverhill from 4-8 p.m. Services will begin Saturday in the funeral home at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill at 10 a.m. Burial with U.S. Navy honors will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Veterans Outreach Center, 10 Reed St., Haverhill, MA 01832.