George J. Rose, 83, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on December 17, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
George was born to Melvin and Regina Rose in Primrose, Pennsylvania with sister Rosemary. George married the love of his life, Julianna Frances Matus, “Franny” and moved to Manchester, Connecticut to start their family, having three children, George, Michele, and Kevin.
George loved to learn with a strong sense of curiosity. After graduating from Nativity High School in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, George then graduated from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1961. He then received his master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut. He later obtained his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware.
George was very successful in the professional world by landing his first job at Pratt Whitney, East Hartford, Connecticut. Later he took on a new role with the DuPont Company, Wilmington, Delaware which was the start of a 45-year career where he held many roles of increasing responsibility from plant management to product development/marketing.
George had a passion to give back to the community where he lived. He was active in the local Jaycees, many coaching roles at Brandywine Little League and Immaculate Heart of Mary School while also serving on the parish council.
After retiring in 1999, George spent most of his time with Franny at their beach house in Avalon, NJ “living the dream”. The two did love to travel, making lasting memories touring the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. When not traveling or at the Jersey shore, George was active in his grandchildren’s lives attending sporting and school events.
George is survived by his wife Frances, son George (wife Lisa) Kennett Square, PA, daughter Michele Dempsey (husband Robert) Wilmington, DE, son Kevin (husband Ron Kroha) Newtown, CT, sister Rosemary Holley (husband Edward) Middletown, DE, grandchildren Jessika Rose (husband Bill Morris), George Rose III, Sean Dempsey, Sophia Dempsey, David Dempsey and Emily Dempsey, Sister-in-law Maryanne Jordon, Austin, TX, Brother-in-law John Matus (partner Christine Bowen), Laguna Beach, CA and several loving nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial for George will be held Wednesday December 20, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary (4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803). Family and friends may call from 11:00 – 11:30 am, Service to begin at 11:30 am. Burial will take place privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Little Sisters of the Poor” or “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”
