Michael George

Michael George, of Eighty-Four, was born in Canonsburg, and died peacefully at home from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Michael is survived by his wife, Debora Kay Hallam George, whom he married July 26, 1969 at the Church of the Covenant, with Reverend London officiating and Don Cummins as soloist. Also surviving are two children, Dr. Michelle George of Avalon, Michael R. George and wife Michelle Silvestri, and two grandchildren Marissa and Maya of Fredericksburg, VA. He is survived by siblings, Pete, Joe (Kay), Nancy (Chuck), Tony (Martha), and Bob.

Michael, a stand-out wrestler, graduated from Washington High School and attended Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, where he wrestled on the national championship team. He later transferred to Lamar Junior College in Colorado for wrestling and a 2-year degree in Business. After graduating from Lamar, he continued his wrestling and education career at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting, and Marketing, along with a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Parks and Recreation. He then attended North Carolina State University, Raleigh, where he completed the National Recreation and Park Service Revenue Sources Management and Maintenance Management Programs. He also held PA teaching certificates in both Accounting and Marketing.

He had a lengthy career with the parks service where he was appointed by the Washington County Commissioners as Park Administrator for the Department of Parks and Recreation. He later served as the Executive Director of Mingo Creek, Ten Mile, and Cross Creek Parks, and was responsible for 5,500 acres of park land. He was particularly proud of Mingo Park, where he acquired land, which was once a focal point of the Whiskey Rebellion, to develop a sprawling 2,600 acre park that is home to a restored 19th century gristmill, historic covered bridges, and structures such as the Sumney Log House and the Henry House. His influence can be found at Mingo and across the regions’ state and county parks.

Michael grew up on a large farm in Eighty-Four to Syrian immigrants, Elias and Martha George, where he developed a love for agriculture and gardening. He loved being outdoors on his John Deere Tractors -- plowing, rototilling, cutting grass, and planting immaculate vegetable gardens. He would often come home after working all day and remain outside until it was dark so that he could utilize every bit of daylight. As an avid sports fan, he rarely missed a Steeler or a Pirate game.

Michael is preceded in death by siblings William, Elias, Kenneth, Ben, Anthony, David, Paul, John, Helen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, 45 Church Rd, Eighty Four, PA 15330; or Dave Parker 39 Foundation to help raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Condolences may be sent to 152 Sugar Run Road Eighty-Four. 

A private service for family and burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington PA.