George Frederick Vincent, loving husband, enthusiastic father and grandfather, and loyal brother, passed away on May 25, 2014. He was just 57 years old when he was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma in 2005. He had been fighting this disease for nearly nine years when his brave battle ended peacefully at home in Punta Gorda, Florida. George is survived by his wife Shelley, their two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca, six grandchildren, his sister Kathryn and his brother, Randolf.
George was born in Heemstede, Netherlands on November 13, 1948 to the late John and Iris Vincent, third of four children (siblings Randolf, Patricia - deceased, & Kathryn). They made several moves to Long Island, New York, Redwood City, California and Frankfurt, Germany before settling in Genoa City, Wisconsin. George graduated from Wilmot High School, then attended the University of Wisconsin, where he met his wife, Shelley. They were married in 1971. They eventually settled in Exeter, New Hampshire, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca.
Upon graduation from college, George served in the U.S. Army, first as a helicopter pilot in Korea and later as an instructor pilot in Alabama. He began his civilian career as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. He later managed and flew for New Hampshire Helicopters. George established Tyco International's NH-based flight department and served as their chief pilot for many years. Following that, he worked as chief pilot for First Quality Enterprises in Long Island, New York. He concluding his career managing and flying a privately owned jet until 2005. In subsequent years, George flew on a part-time basis for JBI Helicopters in Pembroke, New Hampshire, until health related issues prevented him from meeting the physical requirements for a pilot's license.
George spent his life pursuing his love of aviation beginning as a young pilot who soloed in his Dad's Cessna 195 at the age of 16, through his stint as a helicopter pilot and in the army, and later in the world of corporate aviation where he combined his business and aviation acumen. George was never happier than when he was up in the air. His flight students and co-pilots speak reverentially about his piloting skill, his calm and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
George also loved sports; he was both a runner and tri-athlete, and a sailor, but time on the ski mountain or scuba diving with his children and grandchildren was the most precious to him. He also loved cheering on his grandkids in whatever athletic endeavors they took on, never missing an opportunity to encourage his grandchildren's efforts at soccer, baseball, swimming or triathlons.
George defied the odds and lived amazingly well for almost nine years with multiple myeloma. He never lost his sense of humor or generosity of spirit. He was loved equally by his family, his friends and the doctors and nurses who cared for him. His loss is significant, but we will remember him forever and celebrate all that he was and all that he brought to those around him.
George's memory will be honored by his immediate family in a private Celebration of Life. We know many others were touched by George's life and we welcome you to share your stories, photos and memories on this site using the Stories tab.
If you wish to do something in George's memory, we ask that you consider making a contribution to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, an organization which has earned many accolades for its' ability to accelerate drug therapy development for this incurable disease. George was one of the many beneficiaries of drugs whose development and FDA approval was facilitated by this organization.
http://support.themmrf.org/goto/george-vincent
