George Joseph Telenko

Colonel George Joseph (Tank) Telenko, U.S. Army Retired, of San Antonio, Texas, died peacefully at home on June 16, 2022. He was born on October 25, 1940, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, to the late George Francis Telenko and Josephine Marie Seibert.

He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Cathedral Latin High School. After graduation, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1958. While at the academy, he was part of the original group of cadets that started the sport of Rugby that has become one of the academys major sports programs. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1962. Later, he earned a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1972 as well as a Masters Degree in Engineering Management from the University of Detroit in 1977.

His military career included serving his country in the Vietnam War (two tours) and many moves across the U.S. and overseas. He earned various commendations during his career and was the first commander of Lima Army Tank Plant in Ohio where the M1 Abrams Tank is built. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for a total of 27 years. After retiring from the military, he was hired by a German Overseas Automotive Company where he rose to rank of Vice President. Following his retirement from this company, he worked as a project manager in charge of the construction of a multi-level retail center in San Antonio. He finally retired from all work activity in 2012.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and lived his life leading by example. He was a man of honor, integrity, and great faith, serving as a Eucharistic Minister at his church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and classmates.

The Telenko Family would like to express gratitude for the prayers and support during this time of grief.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dana Maria Due; his 4 sons, Trent Joseph Telenko (Mindy), Todd William Telenko, Troy Anthony Telenko (Judith) and Tracy Francis Telenko (Julie); his 2 brothers, Bernard Telenko (Loretta) and Richard Telenko (Marilyn (deceased)); Eight grandchildren, Troy Anthony-Matthew Telenko (Melissa), Trevor Telenko, Abigail Telenko, Jacob Telenko, Karen Telenko, David Telenko, Clyde Telenko, and James Telenko; and 1 great grandchild, Forrest Telenko. To view live stream click here

ROSARY

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2022

7:00 PM

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

INTERMENT WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

9:30AM

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD.

MEMORIAL MASS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

11:30 AM

ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH

102 LORENZ ROAD