Donald Henry George

On October 13, 2023, Donald Henry George, of Cocoa, Florida, peacefully passed away. Don, the middle brother of Howard and Douglas, was born on November 22, 1946, to Wilbur and Irene (Griffith) George in Hartford, Connecticut. The George family moved to central Brevard in September, 1956. Don graduated from Cocoa High School in 1964. He joined the US Navy in 1966 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After he returned, he made good use of the GI Bill. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, and a Master of Science degree in Invertebrate Zoology, both from Sonoma State University (California). His time in northern California were some of his favorite years, researching the Pacific tidal pools, working at the bike shop, taking long bicycle treks, and stopping among the vineyards throughout Napa Valley. It was obvious, by the way he would tell stories about his time there, that they were fond memories.

Don’s love of the environment was obvious through his work with the US Air Force Environmental Program, his advances in Sea Turtle research, which gained him the moniker of the “Turtle Man”, volunteer work with the Brevard Nature Alliance, the Ula May Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Brevard Zoo. He was a driving force in creating the Humminbird Space Reef, an artificial reef constructed from a launch tower gantry located about 18 miles east of Cape Canaveral in 110 feet of water. He was instrumental in the repurposing of the upper structure of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as a gazebo on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Don’s work in creating, and sustaining, Scrub Jay habitats on the Space Force Station was unprecedented. He was recognized for his work with numerous awards, and published articles. Notably he was a recipient of the prestigious US Air Force Thomas D. White Award for Individual Excellence in Natural Resources Conservation. His environmental legacy will truly live on throughout Brevard County.

He was co-founder and co-owner of Geomar Environmental Services, conducting sea turtle nesting surveys along Brevard’s Beaches, and providing other environmental services. He was a prolific technical writer and was often seen writing while getting inspiration at a sports bar watching football. His writing skills also veered toward the romantic and whimsical, as he wrote Dianne many love poems and he was also known to create some humorous zingers for those he worked with. Don also loved saltwater fishing.

Don retired in 2014 which allowed him ample time to continue to enjoy his passion for the outdoors, especially road cycling. Many a beautiful morning you would see him cycling by himself or with some friends along the “River Road” in Cocoa and Rockledge, making a beeline afterwards to whatever favorite watering hole. On his birthday every year Don would ride the number of miles for the years he was alive. Don also entered Florida long distance road bike events, including the Horse Farm Hundred (Gainesville) and the Cross Florida Ride, 168 miles in one day.

He was also an avid collector – and he had quite the ‘eye’ for vintage pottery, glassware, art, and other decorative items. His collection of vintage fishing lures and tackle was comprehensive. He thoroughly enjoyed nosing around flea markets and auctions around Brevard County and the state, finding numerous unique treasures. He had an appreciation for Florida art and beauty.

Don married Dianne in 2008 after rekindling a romance that started back in 1974. They enjoyed taking trips to Boca Raton, North Carolina, and West Virginia as well as volunteering together for various environmental organizations, including the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.

A special thanks to the caring staff at Friends at Home Facility who cared for Don in his later years.

Don is survived by his wife Dianne, of Cocoa, FL, son Alan of Jacksonville, FL, brothers Howard, of Orlando, Fl, and Douglas of Ocala, FL, nephew Jonathan, Indianapolis, IN, and niece Jacqueline George Litton of St. Cloud, FL, and her son Taylor.

Services will be held at Cocoa Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Brevard Humane Society (brevardhumanesociety.org) and/or the Edward M. Poe Hospice Care Center, 1240 Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brevardmemorialfuneralhome.com for the George family.