George was born in Jersey City on May 7th, 1934 to George and Lillian Andelfinger. His father was known to embark on family road trips as far as the Dakotas on a moments notice and his mother was known to play the piano that emphasized the drama during silent movies at the theater. George attended William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City where he walked to school in the snow, up hill, both ways. After serving two years in the military, George married Helen Jasionek, also from Jersey City on June 10, 1961.
Stuck in a dead-end job, George begged the Dean of Admissions of Saint Peter’s College to approve his college application, which was conditionally accepted and he ultimately achieved a B.S. Marketing Management degree after seven years of night school. That degree enabled him to begin his climb of the Exxon Corporate ladder, start a family and settle in Old Bridge, NJ.
George’s passion for the “salt life” drove him to purchase a shore home a few years later in Bayville, NJ. George and his family spent their summers boating, sailing, waterskiing and bodysurfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. He was known to set sail on Barnegat Bay solo and once all lines were set, he would pour himself a cold one and sit at the pulpit over the rushing water to enjoy the tranquility of nature’s beauty. George also had the patience of a saint as he spent endless hours teaching his children, friends, relatives and even co-workers how to waterski and sail.
In the mid-90s, George retired from Exxon and decided with co-Captain Helen to chart a course southward to Naples, Florida with their boat “Endless Summer” where they enjoyed many ports-of-call along Southwest Florida…Paradise!!! Although retired, George didn’t stop working! He applied his continuous improvement philosophies within the Naples community and dock owners associations. His ability to propose and obtain approval from owners for major projects is no walk in the park. Some of those success stories include paver walkways, a pool deck expansion and a conversion from electric to geothermal heated water for the Princeton Place Pool to name a few. George and Helen were also proud founding members of the Tarpon Cove & Yacht Club where George was known to “open” the workout room in the 5 o’clock hour and “late comers” would greet him as “GG”, Gorgeous George. He was now addressed as “GG” throughout Naples by all including restaurant staff, nurses, and caregivers alike.
George’s tagline “If you’re not having fun, you’re wasting your time!” and “Make it a Great Day!” should be aspired by all.
His wife Helen, as well as his sisters Lillian and Cynthia predeceased George. George is survived by his son Michael and wife Catherine, his daughter Laura and husband William, and son Steven and wife Maritza. Along with his grandchildren (aka The Magnificent Seven), Victoria and husband Ryan, John, Anna and husband Brian, Kayla, Julia, William and Leanne. Last but not least is George’s Great Grandson, Nolan. To his grandchildren and great grandson, he was and will always be known as “GGGG” Gorgeous George Great Grandpa.
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