Orlando J. George, Jr., age 78 of Wilmington, much-loved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Orlando, affectionately known as Lonnie, was born in Wilmington DE to the late Orlando, Sr. and Lena Ficca George. All four of his grandparents had immigrated to America from Italy, settling in Delaware to start a better life for their families. This family story would be a strong driving force in shaping Lonnie’s strong character and generous and giving spirit.
Lonnie grew up in Wilmington, Delaware in the Christ our King parish, where he attended grade school. He and his friends were known as “the yard boys.” He attended Salesianum High School, where he graduated in 1963. As the first in his family to attend college, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master’s in Education and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Delaware.
It's no surprise that Lonnie dedicated his life to teaching others. He truly believed that education was priceless because no one could ever take it from you. He made it his life’s mission to serve others in education. His commitment to education culminated in his serving 19 years as president of Delaware Technical Community College. He was first hired by the College in 1969 as a mathematics instructor. He went on to assume the positions of department chair, assistant to the campus director, dean of instruction, assistant campus director and vice president and campus director before becoming the fourth president of Delaware Tech in 1995. Upon retirement, the Wilmington Campus was named the Orlando J. George, Jr. Campus by the Delaware State Legislature. Governor Jack Markell presented Lonnie with the Order of the First State --Delaware’s highest accolade, and the College’s Board of Trustees honored him with the Paul K. Weatherly Award Recognizing Excellence – the College’s most prestigious award.
Lonnie deeply believed in giving back to the community. His public service started with his service on Wilmington City Council from 1972 to 1974, and then the Delaware House of Representatives from 1974 to 1995. During his tenure in the House, he held various leadership positions including Speaker of the House, Chairman of the Joint Finance Committee, and Minority Leader.
Lonnie served on several boards of directors, including Christiana Care Health System, Delaware Business Roundtable, Workforce Investment Board, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, First State Innovation, Community Colleges for International Development and Governor’s P-20 Council. In addition, he proudly served as Statewide Chairman for the United Way Campaign, and Board Chairman for Community Colleges for International Development, The Partnership, and Communities in Schools – a high school dropout prevention and recovery program. Lonnie also served as Chairman of the Delaware Council of Presidents, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education for the Court Resources Task Force and a Dinner Chairman for the National Conference for Community and Justice. He has been a member of the Governor’s Information Technology Task Force, the Blue-Ribbon Advisory Committee to the Court, the United Way Campaign Cabinet, Honorary Co-Chair of the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Leadership Council and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative.
Lonnie received many honors, including the Association of Community College Trustees Northeast Region Chief Executive Officer Award; National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Pacesetter Award; Alpha Beta Gamma College President of the Year; World Trade Center Institute Delaware 1st Annual Individual Global Leadership Award; Amicus Curiae Award from the Superior Court of Delaware; Distinguished Legislative Service Award from the Delaware State Bar Association; Jack D. Graybeal Certificate of Honor for support of public education from the Northeast Alliance of Ministers; and the Alexis I. DuPont Award for Government Service.
To know Lonnie is to know that family was everything to him. He was blessed with many titles, but “Dad” was the most important to him and “Pop-pop” was the most fun. He worked hard his entire life to ensure that his wife, children, and grandchildren would have a better life – the American dream. He worked two jobs to provide for his family, but still managed to show up for all of his daughters’ important events, whether a sporting game or parent teacher conference, and to have family dinner together every night. Sunday was always “family” day to enjoy together.
Lonnie was the ultimate teacher and father, with each role making him better in the other. As a father, he never missed the opportunity for a teachable moment. He lived by example how to treat others with respect and dignity, how to serve others, and how to take care of your family. As a lifelong teacher, he lived to help others grow into their potential, just as he did with his four daughters and nine grandchildren.
Lonnie was a curious, skillful, talented, self-taught, and loving chef. He turned even the simplest of meals into gourmet dishes that he made for his family and friends. He masterfully was able to recreate favorite dishes from restaurants.
Lonnie loved to travel. He and Linda traveled to over 100 countries and all 7 continents. His favorite part of every trip was meeting and spending time with indigenous people and learning about their history, customs, culture, and food. They often brought school supplies for the children they would meet. Ever since he and Linda honeymooned in Italy, that has been one of his most cherished places to visit, especially as all four of his grandparents came from Italy. Additionally, another one of his favorite trips was going on safari in Africa.
Lonnie enjoyed spending time at Bethany Beach, where he and Linda would frequently host their children and grandchildren for summer vacations. They enjoyed swimming, sitting on the balcony listening to the ocean, visiting with friends, walking the boardwalk with grandchildren, and eating lots of ice cream.
In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Lonnie’s memory can be made to the Dr. Orlando J. George, Jr. & Mrs. Linda K. George Scholarship Endowment at Delaware Technical and Community College: www.dtcc.edu/makeagift.
Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Linda Krystopolski George; children Melanie George Smith (Frank III), Leana Janukowicz (Jeff), Natalie George, and Oliva Walton (Jesse); grandchildren, Ariel, Sarah, Nate, Clayton, Chance, Adam, Grace, Tyler, and Jordan; brothers Robert “Bob” George and Martin “Marty” George (Christine); and brother-in-law Gene Krystopolski (Ann Marie). Along with his parents, Lonnie is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Susan McDaniel; and sister-in-law, Tina George.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on June 3, 2024, from 4-8 pm, at the Carriage House at Rockwood, with courtesy valet parking. Burial will be privately held. A celebration of Lonnie’s life will be held on June 6, 2024, from 5-7 pm, at the Orlando J. George, Jr. campus of Delaware Technical and Community College.
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