George Rusling Knecht

George was born in New Jersey and spent his childhood summers learning to sail on Lake Hopatcong. Upon moving to Jacksonville as a teenager, he met the love of his life, Judy, at DuPont High School. They married and enjoyed 50 years of marriage and had three sons.

George graduated from the University of Florida in 1965 and later completed his masters at UNF. He was always proud to be a Gator, supported the college of Engineering, and his Gator baseball cap was often a vital part of his wardrobe. George spent 5 years as an officer in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and as he and Judy traveled the country, they started their family. After they settled down back in Jacksonville, George began his 32-year career as a civil engineer with the City of Jacksonville. He was a dedicated worker and rose through the ranks to lead Jacksonville’s Solid Waste Division. He liked to proudly call himself “the head garbage man” as you could often find him on a bulldozer at a landfill. George was president of Florida Engineering Society, American Public Works Association, and was twice selected as Florida’s top engineer of the year. He was known for his ability to fix almost anything, which usually involved lots of laughter and an occasional broken bone or two, but nothing was more important to him than his family. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his 3 sons, George W. (Tara), Richard (Kristin) and David (Cynthia) and 4 grandchildren, George “Thomas,” Daniel, Will, and Ashley.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 18th at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 at 11:00 with the Reverend Dr. Robert V. Lee officiating. A reception will follow at Bonefish Grill 10950 San Jose Boulevard. Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Memorial donations may be made to Fresh Ministries, Jacksonville. (https://freshministries.org/)

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the KNECHT family.