- Date Of Birth: February 8, 1932
- Date Of Death: February 1, 2019
- State: Florida
George O’Lear, 86, of Rockledge, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2019, at the Viera Health & Rehabilitation Center. The only child of George and Clara Olear, he was born in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, where he enrolled in Air Force ROTC and earned both his Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, George proudly and honorably served his country for 25 years. He attended flight training school in Florida in the 1950s and fell in love with the Sunshine State. George spent his Air Force career in logistics and aerial delivery, was stationed overseas at U.S. military installations in France and Morocco, and served in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and various other military accolades. Following his retirement from active duty, George moved to the Space Coast with his family. He worked for various NASA contractors for 17 years, providing logistical support for the space shuttle program.
Aviation was George’s passion. He collected many books on military history and aircraft, loved attending air shows, and watched and commented on any airplane that flew overhead, no matter how big or small. George often spoke of the joy and freedom that he felt when flying, and fondly remembered his time spent on board the C-130, his favorite airplane.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Luisa, elder daughter Maria, her life partner Ronnie, younger daughter Michelle, his adopted grandson Daniel, many nieces and nephews, and close friends and neighbors.
George will be remembered for his twinkling blue eyes, warm smile, keen intelligence, dry sense of humor, and his kind and gentle spirit. It is not an understatement to say that all those who met him loved him.
The family would like to especially thank the residents and staff of Palm Cottages in Rockledge, where George lived happily for the last few years of his life, the staff of the Viera Health & Rehabilitation Center, the Hospice of St. Francis, and for all those who cared for George during his final illness.
