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GEORGE T. GAVELLAS
George T. Gavellas
MIAMI, FL
George T. Gavellas, former resident of Alton IL and AltonSenior High School graduate of the Class of 1960, died August 10, 2004 in Miami FL.
George was born December 7, 1941 in Alton to loving parents and a large, close-knit and loving family.
In high school George was in the Pep Club and served as a counselor’s helper. He had any friends from the Upper Alton area in the Class of 1960.
After high school, George married Judith A. McGhee, AHS Class of 1961. He was a Scout-Master at the Upper Alton Baptist Church.
George and Judith had two sons, James T. Gavellas and Nicholas A. Gavellas, but the marriage did not last.
Prior to his death, George worked as an audio-visual specialist at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
[William C. Harpole apprised me of George's death in Florida. The Social Security Death Index confirmed the birth and death dates. I wrote the above from information in the AHS Alumni Directory 2000, The 1960 Tatler and articles I found in The Telegraph. mhl]
The Alton Evening Telegraph has articles from 1945 and 1948 about birthday parties they gave for him when he was four and seven.
At the four year party, given by George’s parents, eight boys and girls attended. At the seventh, 12 boys and girls attended. At the first party, “Gary Ruedin excelled” in the games and was given a prize. “Small George was the recipient of many anniversary gifts.” The seven year party was given by an aunt, Mrs. Walter Tickner of Hillcrest St. “Individual birthday cakes were given to the guests.”
In August 1955, George’s Uncle Jim and George made the paper again.
NEAR 3-1 OLIER TOMATO TOPS FOB BUMPER CROP
Reports are coming in concerning the success of the current tomato crop. Jim Gavellas of 3701 Franor St, [George’s parents home.] so far has the honor of picking the heaviest to be recorded. He picked one off his patch that weighed slightly less than three pounds. Others are averaging more than a pound. This should be some kind of high mark for tomato weight, at least in the past four years. . . . His nephew, George Gavellas of the same address, also has a patch which is producing giants.
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Marilyn Hope Waide (Lake)
I knew and liked George Gavellas all through school. I may have even been at one of those birthday parties. I remember him as a member of the band. He was a sweet, considerate young man, a friend; and I was hoping to see him again at this reunion. He will be missed.
Peggy Neudecker (Snyders)
I am so saddened to read of George's death. I really got to know George after high school. We both went to Gradwohl in St. Louis to become Lab Tech's After graduating we were both hired by Alton Memorial Hospital. George worked there for a few years then went to Barnes Hospital, he then worked in research for Washinton University.After the reach grant there ran out he went with the Doctors doing the research to Miami, Fl. to continue the research work. George became like a bother to me and a GREAT FRIEND. I will miss you LITTLE GEORGE.
David Plunk
I went to school with George from Jr. high thur highschool. We were in scouts together in troop 3. His parents own a neighborhood grocery store on franor st. next to their house. They were very fine people and loving parents. I will mis him at our reunion.
Judith Lee Kerwin (Hayes)
I was so sorry to hear of George's death. I lived next door to George and his family for almost 14 years. He was a very kind boy with a great sense of humor. I remember many summer evenings when he and his sister would come over ,sit on the porch and talk . Back then we didn't even have TV at my house.George and Uncle Jim raised a baby goat in their back yard one year.
God Bless You, George.