George William Hornsby

George William Hornsby, 93 of Modesto, passed away March 31st, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

George was born November 5th, 1924 to Alice and William Hornsby on the Isle of Jersey, Channel Islands UK. He entered into the British Army as part of the 77th Infantry Brigade at the young age of 15 during the onset of WWII. After 6 years of service in India and Burma, George returned to England where in 1954 he met the love of his life, Irish-born Maureen (Mary) O’Reilly, at The Queen’s Hotel where they both were working. From that day forward, the two were inseparable and were married in 1958. The newlyweds, looking for new opportunities, sold all of their belongings, including the coats off their backs, and boarded a steamer for the US. They worked in New York and Connecticut where they welcomed the birth of their beloved twin daughters, Kathryn and Linda in 1966.

In 1976, George took another risk and loaded his small family and pet cat into their sedan and drove across country for an opportunity with E. & J. Gallo Winery. George worked as an estate manager for 31 years with Maureen by his side as an incredible chef. The two retired at the ages of 82 and 77 respectively after working together for 53 years.

Tragically preceded in death by beloved daughter Linda in 2016, George is survived by his life partner and loving wife of 60 years Maureen, daughter Kathryn (Darin), granddaughter Christina (Matt) and two great grandchildren, Isla and Levi.

George will be remembered first as a devoted and dedicated family man, who always put others before himself. He will also be remembered for his integrity, honesty, loyalty, sense of responsibility, generosity, charisma, charm and undeniable British sense of humor.

George will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 13th from 4-8pm at Lakewood Memorial Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson. A funeral service and burial will also be held at Lakewood on Saturday, April 14th at 11am with a reception to follow at Redwood Café, Modesto.