Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, George Francis Van Driessche, passed away peacefully in the care of the Veterans Hospital in Orlando, Florida, March 23, 2023, at the age of 82. He has left an indelible mark on all who knew him with his wit, charm and zest for life. The world will be less colorful and bright without his beautiful presence, smile, and energy. He was truly one of a kind.
George was born and raised in Copiague, NY. He joined the Navy after graduating from High School and traveled the world for the next four years. Upon leaving the Navy, he married the love of his life, Margaret, on September 21, 1963. They started a family immediately, with their first daughter born in 1964 and their son born in 1969. They relocated to Florida in 1972, where he opened and operated an Italian restaurant, Luigi's. While in Florida, they had two more children, a boy and a girl.
George worked hard to raise his family. Once he sold the restaurant, he worked for Pepsi as a delivery person and then worked for Massey until retiring in 2010. After retiring, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
His beloved wife, Chickie, and his parents, Paul, and Margaret, greeted George in Heaven. He is survived by his four children, Lori Graf (Mike), George (Rebecca), Jason (Morgan), and Jill Smith (Neal); his siblings, Raymond, Donna, and Mary; 10 grandchildren: James, Megan, Tyler, Sarah, Michael, Emilie, Caitlin, Connor, Brock, and Dylan; and 5 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Remi, Grayson, Gregory, and Emmet.
George's life will be celebrated with a visitation on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 pm, and the funeral service will take place Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 10:30-11:30 am. Both visitation and funeral will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Alternatives at All Faiths' funeral home, 4901 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, Florida, 32806.
Graveside service will occur after the funeral service at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, Florida, 32789.
The family invites you to join in a celebration to honor George Van Driessche. A reception will be held after the graveside service at 2 pm at 1048 Castelvecchio Loop, Orlando, FL 32825. The family hopes you can join us for food, drink, and stories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orlando Veterans Administration.
https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_at_facility/
