George Russell Bleil

BLEIL, George R. 79, of Marco Island, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023. He was born October 1, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA. He is predeceased by his father, William; his mother, Margaret Jane (Kennedy) Bleil; his bonus mother, Gertrude (Moller) Bleil and brother, Alan Bleil.

What was most important in life to George was education, discipline, respect and service; helping those in need. He loved teaching and founded South Dayton School, a personalized education program, as a way to serve and support students that were struggling in school. He was drawn to the martial arts and dedicated a great part of his life to learning, teaching, coaching, refereeing and supporting the growth of Tae Kwon Do in the United States. He was a 7th degree black belt. Throughout his diverse work career, in addition to the above, he was a volunteer firefighter, a public school teacher, director of CCD for Saint Albert’s Church, Ki Moo Do instructor, funeral home employee and Publix cashier known for his hard work and reliability. George is survived by his loving wife of 7 years, Myra, and her children Andac (Latife) Demirkol, Olgac Demirkol, Sertac (Gulcin) Demirkol; his first wife, Carla (Silbereis) and children, Laura (Joe) Blake, Judy (Kamil) Saruhan, Sarah (Waldo) Persteins; grandchildren, Talya, Ada, Melodi, Molly (Kollin), Sam, Ayla, Joseph, Alex, Marshall; brother, Robert E. (Linda) Bleil and nephew, Robert R. (Heather) Bleil; sister-in-law, Nancy Bleil and nephew, Jason (Regina) Bleil and niece, Holly Bleil.

George’s wishes to be cremated and travel with Myra to Turkey for his final resting place by the Mediterranean Sea as well as a small family lunch on Marco Island are being honored. In addition, two gatherings in honor of his life will be planned; one in Mersin, Turkey and another in Dayton, Ohio.

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