Edward R. George, 86, of Norfolk, Conn. and Key West, Fla. passed peacefully away, Dec. 20,2024, at Wolcott Hall, with his wife Mary by his side. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Welch) George. Ed was born on September 17,1938,in Torrington during the Hurricane of ‘38.

He was the youngest of six born to Richard and Sophie (Swyden) George. He proudly served 17 years as a Torrington firefighter, retiring after being injured in a house fire. 

Ed owned and operated Merit Quality Pools, a business he started with his son as a service company and built it to a construction, retail store and full service company for over 45 years .

He was very proud of his Lebanese heritage. Ed was an avid gardener and fisherman. Ed and Mary spent a good part of each year in Key West where they had a wonderful group of friends. There were picnics at the beach every Sunday and holiday. Ed was always ready for a good time or a road trip. 

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his son, Michael R George (Mary), his daughter, Lynn Colangelo (Peter) and his stepdaughter, Shannon Santoro (Gaetano) of Harwinton ; one brother Fredrick George (Joan) of Torrington; three grandchildren, Michael E George (Maria) of Torrington , Lauren Santoro and Nicolas Santoro of Harwinton ; three great grandsons, Gabriel, Nikolas, and Zachary George of Torrington as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Ernest, Louis and Marshall and one sister Jeanette King.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at noon at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St , Torrington , Conn. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon at Cook Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norfolk Lions Ambulance PO Box 399, Norfolk CT 06058.