George Vasalle

Aug. 8, 1927 - March 23, 2012

When George Vasalle was born, Aug. 8, 1927, to struggling Greek immigrant parents, circumstances were far from ideal. Soon the Crash and Great Depression would plunge the family deeper into hardship, with conditions so dire George began working as a street-corner paperboy at an age when most children were getting ready for First Grade. Few would have predicted then that, saddled with such disadvantage, George's future would be one marked by optimism, unfailing good humor, devotion to family -- especially his beloved mother Stella -- and an unwavering faith in the essential goodness of life.

Eager to serve in World War II, he enlisted in the Marines as a teenager and came home with a lifetime of memories and stories, particularly about his Alaskan adventures. He later worked as an overseas merchant marine, a Manhattan bartender, and as a boilermaker at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Throughout his life, he loved stories well told, laughing and joking with Catherine, the big sister he adored, and travel, especially by sea. But when he met the love of his life, Marie, he happily embraced marriage and home life, taking pride and pleasure in household building projects for Marie and Linda, their only child.

The Vasalles moved to Long Beach, Calif., with George continuing his career as a supervisor of ship repair at the Naval Shipyard there. He later welcomed Marie's parents, John and Norah Gunning, when they moved West, and helped provide them with a warm and lovely home in Long Beach. George was delighted when years later, his favorite niece, Catherine Nina, completed the family circle in Long Beach.

Sometime after retirement, George embarked on yet another occupation -- doting Pappou to his beloved grandson Hank and namesake granddaughter Georgia Marie -- a role he sincerely cherished, leading joyous excursions to the beach, El Dorado Park nature center, the Disneyland Hotel, and -- most fun of all -- the annual Greek festival at Assumption Greek Orthodox church.

George passed away in his sleep March 23, 2012, after suffering from several conditions, including MDS, a blood disorder.

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