Von Thomas George

In Loving Memory of Deacon Von T. George, LTC U.S. Army (Ret.) Deacon Von Thomas George, 62, passed away on September 5, 2024 in Allentown, PA after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Von led a life of service, dedication, and faith. He was born on September 21, 1961 in Charleston, WV to the late Raymond George and Kelly Light George. Deacon Von T. George is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jane McNeill George; children, Raymond Reid George (Brandi), Dr. Ellen McNeill George, Anthony Light George (Katherine), and Robert Byrne George, Esq. (Elizabeth); mother-in-law, Ellen Gowen McNeill; siblings, Vincent (Martha), Victor, Valerie, and Vanessa; two grandsons and an expected granddaughter; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Von is predeceased by his parents, father-in-law, Robert John McNeill III, and brother-in-law, Gary Ellis. Von graduated from George Washington High School in Charleston, WV in 1979. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Ohio University in 1984 and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University in 2018. He earned a Master’s of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Saint Bernard’s School of Ministry and Theology in 2024. Von served his country for 28 years in the United States Army, Army Reserves, and Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He served as an Officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Army Logistics Branch. His military service extended to Hawaii, Germany, Lithuania, Kosovo, Egypt, and Iraq. Von retired from the service in 2012 as a Lieutenant Colonel and a combat veteran. As a civilian, Von most recently served as the Director of Supply Chain and Procurement for St. Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, NJ. He previously was a logistician for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the Director of Supply Chain for St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA. He served his community as a member of the Parkland School Board and Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors. He was a proud Brother of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a fourth degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Von answered his calling to Holy Orders when he was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church on August 10, 2024. He was assigned as clergy to the St. Thomas More Parish in Allentown, PA where his faith and compassion touched many lives. The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown will offer a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, PA 18103. Calling hours will be held on Monday evening, September 9, 2024, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 1601 Hamilton St, Allentown, and Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the church. Condolences may be offered at www.jsburkholder.com. Contributions may be made in Von’s memory to the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania for the Von T. and Jane George Diaconate Endowment Fund. The fund supports the education, training and formation, professional development, recruitment of permanent deacons, and the special programs related to the Diaconate Program in the Diocese of Allentown. Gifts may be made online at https://www.catholicfoundationep.org/donations/von-t-and-jane-george-diaconate-endowment-fund/ or mailed to the Catholic Foundation of Eastern PA at PO. Box 1430, Allentown, PA 18105.