George Patrick Bortnyk, 74, died peacefully in the care of Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas Park, FL on November 14th, 2022. He was born on July 13th, 1948 in Meshoppen, Pennsylvania to Elias and Helen Bortnyk. In 1966, George joined the U.S. Air Force, later serving in the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida, joining RCA Corp. in Indianapolis after graduation. He then joined ECI/E-Systems, Inc. in St. Petersburg, FL (now Raytheon Technologies) where he spent the remainder of his career, retiring in 2009.
George had countless hobbies and interests. He was a prolific aviator, flight instructor, scuba/cave diver, and cyclist. He spent the last years of his life enjoying these hobbies, as well as spending time with his family and grandkids in his hand-built backyard oasis, which he lovingly called the “Mango Speakeasy.” George was one of a kind and will be truly missed by all of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bortnyk; his son, Thomas Bortnyk; his daughter Sarah Filipek; his son-in-law Robert Filipek; his grandkids, Brady Filipek and Brooke Filipek; and his siblings, Steve Bortnyk, Mary Rigsby, and Michael Bortnyk.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 26th, 2022. Please contact the family for information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS foundation in Honor of George at the link below:
https://donate.als.org/georgepatrickbortnyk
