Brendan Peter George, 49, of Brookville, PA, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Brookville Hospital.
Born on January 25, 1974, he was the son of (the late) Edward George and Ruth O’Neill George of Lucinda.
He was a 1992 graduate of North Clarion HS, and later, Clarion University, with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Bachelor of Science in Biology (concentration in Applied Ecology) and a Master’s of Science in Biology.
Brendan is survived by his mother, Ruth O’Neill George of Lucinda, and his siblings, Kathleen (Jodi) of Portland, OR, Terrence of Leechburg, ej (Aaron) of Trumansburg, NY, Maura of Meadville, Barbara of Pittsburgh, Ryan (Rachel) of Summerville, Donovan (Laura) of North Wales, and Lauren (Adam) of Lucinda.
Brendan was especially fond of his beloved nieces and nephews- Taidgh and Cian Dennis George; Joey, Zachary, Caleb and Hannah George; Max, Trinity, Jordan, Jasmine, and Noelle Thompson; Colby and Caiden George; Wyatt, Harrison, and Amelia George; and Ronan Clarke.
He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, several uncles, an aunt, and a cousin.
Brendan worked as a devoted middle school science teacher at Bradley Middle School in Charlotte, NC, where he also served as track and cross-country coach.
Prior, he worked for the Allegheny River Basin as the Allegheny River Keeper, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Seven Seas Pools, and Borland Monuments
Brendan was known for his wit and humor.
He made friends everywhere he went, and was usually the ringleader.
Whether taking his nieces and nephews on an eighteen mile hike or arranging a Cook Forest meet up for east coast motorcycle rallies, his enthusiasm and generosity made for a good time to be had by all.
Brendan’s true home was in nature.
Even as a child he spent most of his time in the woods around his childhood home, turning over rocks to see what was there, fishing the local ponds (when he wasn’t accidentally immersing himself on one of his makeshift rafts that floated exactly one foot below the surface).
His curiosity at such a young age no doubt led to his lifetime involvement in biology and science.
He always encouraged others to appreciate the natural world, whether through teaching, volunteering on the North Country Trail, or leading impromptu adventures, whether running, mountain biking, sled-riding, hunting, or just exploring.
He was free-thinking, open-minded, creative, talented, hilarious, and kind.
His generosity matched his curiosity.
He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and cousin to a large family- to whom he gave much and often.
His “noogies” were always ready for his “chimps”.
He was a fatherly mentor to many.
His friends were a great source of joy to him (and we know you were often involved in his shenanigans and mischief!).
The epic 4th of July fireworks and bonfires will be talked about for years.
As will his Christmas cookie drop-offs in the doorless, topless, practically floorless Bronco which was somehow decked out with a lit set of Christmas lights.
He had many talents and interests – besides just about all kinds of outdoor recreation, they included building (anything), camping, motorcycle rallies, playing guitar, listening to music, tinkering with antiques, working on his bikes.
He loved to share his enthusiasm with others, and he approached everything he did with great energy, fun, and a jolly disposition.
He showed great strength and determination in meeting the many health challenges he faced after a major accident in 2015.
He stayed as active as he could birdwatching, visiting and corresponding with family and friends, good-heartedly teasing anyone and everyone, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.
Thank you to all his caregivers and to the staff of Craig Hospital, Success Rehab, ReMed, McKinley Health Center, and home health aides for their care and compassion.
Family and Friends will be received at the Borland-Ensminger Funeral Home, Inc. in Leeper on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Funeral liturgy with no mass will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Church, Lucinda, PA with the Rev. Michael Polinek as celebrant.
Donations in his name can be made in person by check at the funeral home, church, or luncheon, or online using the information below: Three Rivers Waterkeepers
https://www.threeriverswaterkeeper.org/donate.html/ OR Craig Hospital, https://secure3.convio.net/craig/site/Donation2?1761.donation=form1&df_id=1761&mfc_pref=T.
Online condolences may be made to the family at borlandensmingerfh.com.
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