Condolences on the Passing of Bernard W. George

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the passing of Mr. Bernard W. George of Coventry, following a months' long illness with pancreatic cancer. He was better known as “Bernie” by his loved ones and many friends, and was the beloved husband of Dawn George for 62 years; and

WHEREAS, Bernard George was a native Rhode Islander, the son of the late Gilbert and Louise George. Mr. George was a widely admired, respected, and beloved figure within the community. He was an Eagle Scout who dedicated 54 years of his life to the Boy Scouts, serving 9 years as a Cub Scout Master; and years as a Scout Master for Troop 3 Summit; and

WHEREAS, Mr. George also served our nation with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Navy. Deemed a “Mustang,” he rose from the enlisted ranks to become an officer. It was during his service in the United States Navy that he met the love of his life, his wife Dawn, who later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and Reserves; and

WHEREAS, Mr. George later went on to have a highly successful career as the Director of two laboratories, working as a microbiologist for the State of Rhode Island. He was a man of deep faith and a devout Christian who attended daily Mass at his parish, Saints John & Paul Church, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, Mr. George enjoyed staying fit by swimming laps in his pool with his grandchildren, as well as walking and biking, eating lemon Danish from Borelli’s, family dinners, reading nonfiction, watching NCIS, and playing with his beloved grand puppy, Charlie; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Dawn, Mr. George leaves behind his sons, Todd George and his wife, Kim, Eric George and his wife, Lindsay, and Michael George, as well as his grandchildren, Trent George and Madeleine George; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Bernard W. George; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Dawn George and Family.