George Emil Pirrie

George E. Pirrie, age 98, passed away on January 14, 2025, after a life well lived and well loved. Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J., he was the son of Matilda and James Pirrie. A World War II veteran, he served our nation as part of the Naval Air Transport Service stationed in the Pacific islands and took part in the maiden voyage of the second Yorktown ship.

Upon returning home, he served his city as Captain in the Jersey City Fire Department for 31 years.

He was blessed to have shared his life with Esther Ann Pirrie, his wife of 74 years, and together they exemplified the meaning of devotion to family and unfailing support and love each day.

After retiring, they enjoyed time at their home at Greenwood Lake, NJ, and later relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to be near their 2 daughters and extended family. No matter where residing, they cheered on their hometown team of the New York Giants and their four Superbowl wins.

George is reunited with his beloved wife and daughter, Patricia Shively, who pre-deceased him and her passing was one of the greatest heartaches of his life.

He is survived by daughter Jane Casey (Stephen), sister Dorothy Ingalls, nieces Kathy Paul (Michael), Lynn Mascioli (Armand) and nephews James and Jeffrey Brown. He was the greatest fan and cheerleader of his four grandchildren Andrew Shively (Samantha Copeland), Elizabeth Galbreath (Jeremy), Caroline Casey and Stephen Casey and so proud of his four great grandchildren Hampton, Palmer, Wells and Patty. As family was the center of his world, he will be missed by great niece Lauren Buckley (Todd), great nephews Chris Paul, Matthew Paul, Greg Mascioli (Koryn) and AnnaLynn, Aleyna and Armand.

An example of the greatest generation, George was a role model of honor, work ethic and managing life with a sense of humor and a smile. His greatest enjoyment was gathering with “the family” especially on Sundays and as our PopPop, will be missed at our table of life.

Visitation with be held Saturday, January 25th from 8:30-9:30 am at Schoedinger Zollinger Road, followed by a 10 am Celebration Mass at St Andrews. In lieu of flowers, contributions to his memory can be made to Honor Flight (honorflight.org/donations) or Mott’s Military Museum, Groveport, Ohio ([email protected]).