Rodney “Chet” George, 82 formerly of Mahanoy City, peacefully passed away on May 26, 2022 ,at Providence Place Assisted Living, Drums, where he resided for the past three years. At the time of his passing, he was holding his wife’s hand and surrounded by his four children. Rodney battled the effects of multiple strokes in his recent years and showed great strength and courage in facing these challenges while continuing to show his love for his family until the very end.
Rodney was a 1958 graduate of Mahanoy City High School. He served in the Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968 and received an honorable discharge for his services.
Rodney always had a strong work ethic. He worked two jobs and any overtime that was available to him until his retirement. His favorite quote to say to his children was, “Make hay when the sun shines”. He began working on the farms in the Brandonville and Ringtown area at a young age. When he entered high school, he began working at Mike Dennison’s Auto in Brandonville. He viewed Mike Dennison, owner, not only as a boss but as a second father. It was Mike who gave him the nickname “Chet” and Rodney used that name throughout his life. He continued working for Mike Dennision as his second job until 1996. Rodney was employed by White Cap/Silgan, Valmont Industrial Park, West Hazleton for 49 years until his retirement in 2017 at the age of 76.
At age 16, Rodney met the love of his life, Helen Price, while cruising Center Street in Mahanoy City. He always told his children and grandchildren that he knew he would marry Helen from the moment he saw her standing there in her blue coat. Their first date was at one of Rodney’s favorite places, the Bloomsburg Fair, which they attended yearly until 2020. Rodney and Helen were married May 23, 1964 and went on to have four children.
Rodney didn’t have much time to himself since he was busy being a great provider, as well as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He always volunteered to help maintain his children’s and grandchildren’s cars and to do work around their houses. He was a “jack of all trades”; plumber, mechanic, electrician, concrete pourer, chauffeur, and Christmas decorator, along with many others. In the little spare time he did have to himself, he loved to cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, visit and support the SPCA, and browse the Hometown Farmers Market, Blum’s Bid Board and Harry’s U-Pull-It.
When his children were young, he enjoyed camping with his family at Locust Lake State Park, Tuckahoe Acres, Delaware, and Granite Hill, Gettysburg as well as spending Sundays with family and friends at Knoebels or Angela Park. The highlight of his year for the past 20 years was his annual vacation with his entire family in Ocean City, New Jersey where he would spend his time riding his bike, strolling the boardwalk, and visiting his favorite restaurants.
Rodney was the son of the late Eva (Mummey) and Chester George, and was raised in Brandonville.. In addition to his wife, Helen of 58 years, he is survived by a son, Father Bob George, Summit Hill; 3 daughters, Debbie Stivers, Ringtown; Kathy Burke and husband Jimmy, Barnesville; MariaYoung and husband Kelly, Mifflinville; and 7 grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew Stivers, Kiera, Mason and Caden Burke, Giavanna Grutza and Maliyah Kiarney.
Rodney’s family is very grateful for the loving and compassionate care he received from the entire staff at Providence Place, Drums and Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rodney’s name to the Hillside SPCA.
Rodney will be laid to rest at the Sky View Memorial Park following a private family funeral service.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Rodney's family during this time of need. You may leave an online condolence at www.ringtownfuneral.com
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