Bernard Joseph Degeorge

Bernard Joseph "Bunny" DeGeorge Sr., 83 years old, a US Navy Veteran and part of the greatest generation, passed away August 14, 2003, in Austin, Texas. Born on May 29, 1920 at St. Joseph's Hospital to Loretta Alessandra DeGeorge and Joseph James DeGeorge. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph James DeGeorge Jr. and grandson Michael Noia. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marguerite Hill DeGeorge. They were married on June 8, 1944. She has been the "love of his life" for 64 years. He is also survived by his sister, Marian DeGeorge Carnes and by his 3 loving children: son Bernard J. "Nardy" DeGeorge, Jr., wife Mechelle; daughter Carol Jan "CJ" DeGeorge Romano, husband George; Loretta DeGeorge Vandivort, husband Walt; cherished grandchildren: Kristen Vandivort, Erin Vandivort Mitchell, husband David; Laura Noia Byrd, husband Darin; Bernard J. "Ben" DeGeorge III, wife Heather; Hannah DeGeorge and Derris Vandivort; Step-grandchildren: Jason Romano, Allison Romano and Haden Speer. Great grandsons: Jacob DeGeorge and Luke Mitchell. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many many wonderful friends. He was educated in the Houston public school system and was a member of the first graduating class of Lamar High School in 1937. His college education at the University of Texas, in Austin was interrupted by WWII. Upon his return from the US Navy, he returned to Houston and started his family. After surviving cancer as a young man, he returned to the University of Texas, in Austin and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering, class of 1952. For 33 years, he held several management positions in the United States and in France with Continental-Emsco Company. He was a life member of the EX Student Association, University of Texas; Ramshorn Association of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas; Associate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a Member of the Kingsland Lions Club. Ever the Italian-American patriot, his life exemplified his grandfather Bernardo's values of God, family and country. He took great pride in his heritage and restored numerous historical family documents and photos. He shared these treasures with all of us and he wrote the family history of the Alessandra's, "Coming to America", for the current edition of Houstonians of Italian Decent. He was a faithful husband, loving father, loyal friend and tremendously respected by all who knew and worked with him. He was a wonderful and courageous man. We will always miss him. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2003 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1927 Hwy 1431 Kingsland, Texas 78369. Ph. (325) 388-3742. Officiating, Rev. Joseph Mitrano, C.S.B. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to THE SETON LEAGUE HOUSE, Saint Vincent DePaul, 3207 Wabash Ave. Austin, Texas 78705. (512) 324-1999. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com