George Frederic Molesa

George was born July 25th, 1949, to Helen Mae & Eli Verbin Molesa in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his formative years in Hickory, North Carolina with his three siblings Gary, Carol, and Bill.

In 1968, at the age of nineteen and fresh out of high school, George elected to join the United States Marine Corps during the height of the Vietnam War, not by lottery, but by choice. His reason – “because the line at the recruiting station was shortest.” His military occupational specialty was Ground Radio Repairman. While in service, he distinguished himself by earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (twice awarded), the Good Conduct Medal (twice awarded), and two Meritorious Masts, an award given to Marines who display exemplary behavior above and beyond their assigned duties. He was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant for maintaining combat readiness for the M-103A1 tanks while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In 1972 he left the service to rejoin civilian life and chart his own course. Upon hearing of the abundant opportunities in Portland, Oregon from a close friend, he threw the entirety of his belongings in his car and drove across the country to begin his new life in the Pacific Northwest. Upon arrival in what would become his home for the rest of his life, he found work repairing radios at Tectronix, while also serving in the Oregon Army National Guard.

He spent the lion’s share of his career working for the Department of the Army in the Communication Electronics Command (CECOM), deploying numerous times to active war zones. George spent his days analyzing encrypted radios, ensuring secure communications for the units he oversaw. As was typical of George, he earned multiple Commander’s awards for exemplary civilian service. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in a civilian capacity a total of seven times between 2003-2009. This period was perhaps the most challenging of his life, spending extended periods away from his country and his family.

A dutiful husband and father, George committed himself to providing for the necessities of his family while also staying active in his community. He was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church where he taught Sunday School, helped with the Greek Festival, and oversaw technical upgrades to the church. He was also Pack Leader to his son’s Cub Scout troop, overseeing over one-hundred boys, a position which required immense patience. He was most at joy when surrounded by family.

Who was George F. Molesa? He was a man that refused to submit to mediocrity because he knew he was capable of more. He devoted his life to his country, his community, and his family. No matter the problem, George was there for the people he cared for. His reassuring devotion was an unbreakable lifeline. Whatever the obstacle, his loved ones had the support they would need to help them overcome it. He was the source of an incredible wealth of knowledge, and somehow had the answer to everything. He was characterized by his silent patriotism – serving his country in any way he could while showing little concern for his own comfort. He was the embodiment of selfless service and lived his life by the code which was intrinsically forged in him by the United States Marine Corps – honor, courage, and commitment. Even when his body began to submit to the inevitability of time, he refused to sit on the sidelines. He deployed even after being told his heart was less than full strength – an ailment which would ultimately claim his life.

In his later years, he shed his gruff Marine exterior and became “Uncle Bear,” a nickname given by his grandchildren to describe his warm demeanor. In his final years, George reveled in being surrounded by his family and sought to bring those he loved together. He is survived by his wife Kathy, and his three children, Jennifer, Thomas, and Christina, all of whom will miss him with all their heart.

A funeral service for George will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset HWY, Portland, OR 97225.

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