George Kellinger

Born to Czech immigrants on July 3, 1925, George Kellinger was the only child of an accomplished cabinetmaker and a homemaker and caretaker. Losing his father at the age of 14, George took over the household responsibilities while completing his high school education. At 18 he worked full-time as a machinist to support his mother and pay the household mortgage. Simultaneously he pursued his engineering degree from The Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, taking nine years to earn his diploma.

In 1950 George met the girl of his dreams, Muriel, at a Friday night dance. They were married three years later and began a romance that would last for fifty years. While in his mid-forties and raising a family of his own, he pursued his Masters degree in Business Administration from John Hopkins University. Driving an hour and a half each way after a full day of work, he would often not return home until midnight.

He was very much a hero to his small, but tightly knit family consisting of his wife Muriel, his daughter Barbara, his son Rob, and his grandchildren Aaron and Alana. In their own words, he taught them much, but above all, he taught them the meaning of the word “tenacity.” To George it meant never quitting, never giving up, rising to every occasion and obstacle with dignity and grace, staying proud but humble, and always having time for his fellow man. He taught his family, too, the meaning of unconditional love and the importance of family. He was a man of incredible integrity and character. George had a witty sense of humor and always adored children and animals. He was a member of the Lions and Elks for many years. He fostered an environment where education was paramount, and never stopped learning himself, always having a book in his hands.