George Edward Strella, 69, passed away on March 13, 2017 surrounded by loved ones at his longtime home in Lawnton, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Born on July 16, 1947, he grew up in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh and attended St. George's High School. He served as a second lieutenant in the Army, overseeing a motor pool during the Vietnam War. George earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in German from the University of Pittsburgh. He later earned a master's degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania. For 35 years, George served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by working for the Public Utility Commission.
George was a top-notch family man and the all-time greatest reader of "The Monster at the end of this Book, starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover." He joyfully pitched baseball to his sons until they were good and attended every game in which they played. He also coached baseball, soccer and basketball. George would lead many of the neighborhood's kids on bike rides and enjoyed swimming laps at the West Shore YMCA. He also played guitar and watched so much NBA TV that his wife knew more about current NBA happenings than his sons.
George is survived by his loving wife of more than 45 years, Karen, who is also from Pittsburgh. He is also survived by their two sons Pete, who lives in Mechanicsburg, and Greg, who lives in Baltimore with his wife Emily, their son Henry and their daughter Olive.
To honor George, the family will be hosting a celebration of his life at their home once the weather gets nicer. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that friends and loved ones complete acts of kindness and generosity in his honor. www.pennlive.com/obits