While reflecting on George’s life, he will be remembered as a believer, father, husband, son, brother, educator, mentor and friend.
George was born on February 22, 1925 in Tacoma, Washington, the oldest of two children, to Vincent and Clementine (Quilici) Lombardi. Raised in the Tacoma area, George attended Bellarmine Prep parochial school in Yakima, earned his Bachelor’s degree in education from Seattle University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Montana State University. In addition to pursuing a career in education, George served with honor in the United States Army Air Corps and retired a Major in the United States Air Force after over 30 years of service to our country.
George was married to Mary Kathryn Anna Favilla on September 20, 1952, eventually settling in the Yakima Valley where they nurtured and raised their 5 children. A life-long educator, George worked over 40 years as a classroom specialist in multiple school districts where he touched the lives of his students, especially those with special needs. George was instrumental in establishing Davis Industries, a program that prepared students with special needs to succeed in the workforce. George, and his wife Mary, set an example of their love of God and life through the patience, kindness and love he gave to his family, student’s and the friends he made along his journey through life.
George is survived by his 5 children: Teresa, Paul (Debra), Mark (Susan), Marian and John (Andrea). In addition, George is survived by his brother-in-law Edward Favilla (Rosalie), his sister-in-law Patricia (Ambrozetti) Lombardi, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Favilla) to whom he was married 64 years, his younger brother Eugene, brother-in-law Joseph Favilla, sister-in-law Jeanne (Perrault) Favilla, and his parents Vincent and Clementine (Quilici) Lombardi.
George loved and was devoted to his family. With family spread out from Pennsylvania to Arizona, Washington and Alaska, he and Mary were often flying somewhere to visit their loved ones. While he lived in Eastern Washington, they often flew out of Seattle so they could visit their three kids in the Puget Sound area more. George remained interested in and involved in his children’s lives and the lives of his grandchildren right up to his passing.
Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Chapel, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. A Committal service will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors followed by a reception in the Father Murtagh Gathering Hall at Holy Family.
If desired, memorials may be made in George’s honor to The ARC for promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 1825 K St. NW Suite 1200, Washington DC 20006 or donate.thearc.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
