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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Captain George Whitefield Mead III, United States Navy, Retired. He passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025 at the age of 91. George, also known affectionately as Jorge Grande, was born on September 3, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. He lived a full life defined by service, honor and commitment to his country and family. George met his first wife Peggy in Philadelphia and had two children, George IV and Leslie. He met Karen, his second wife and soulmate, in Honolulu and they were married for 35 years. George briefly attended Punahou and graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco, California. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1955, George earned a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Kansas. He served for 25 years in the Navy and retired in 1979 as a Captain in the Supply Corps. His military service was of immense pride, and he continued to serve his country through his volunteer work as a guide on the USS Missouri. Following retirement from the Navy, George entered civilian life and worked for PRI, the State of Hawaii Department of Business and Economic Development as the head of the Office of Space Industry, and the State of Hawaii Legislature. George believed in not only service to this country but service to his community. He volunteered for the State of Hawaii Judiciary, the Makiki Library, the Rotary Club, the USS Missouri as a tour guide, and most recently for the Military Retired Affairs Office. A voracious reader, he delved into history, foreign affairs, economics, and astronomy; a favorite author was Malcolm Gladwell. George also completed the Honolulu Marathon, received his certification as a dive master scuba diver and was in his words a mediocre tennis player. His true passion, however, was travel. As a Navy brat and during his career in the Navy, he traveled throughout the world. Karen and George went to various places throughout Europe as well as Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Norway was a particular favorite, and they returned in 2020 to see the Northern Lights. George was devoted to his family, and he will be deeply and truly missed. He is survived by his wife Karen; son George (Christine); daughter Leslie Renaud (Tim); stepson Ryan Suzuki (Beverly) and beloved granddaughter Elyse Suzuki. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Avenue. Visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Service from 11:00 – 12:00 pm with refreshments to follow. PLEASE RSVP: https://pp.events/ajqODAG2 Inurnment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers and monetary gifts please consider a donation to PBS Hawaii, St. Jude, Tunnels to Tower, The Hawaii Food Bank, The American Red Cross and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. |
