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How lucky we were to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to say that we lost George Meoli on Feb. 19, surrounded by his family.

George married the girl across the street, Ruth Ann, and together for 64 years they created a happy home, enjoying a wonderful life with their daughters Julia and Toni along with their husbands Jim Trella and Henry Davenport. He was so very proud of his family. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Roberta and Prisco Monaco, many nieces, nephews and cousins that were important to him. He had lots of great friends that he cherished, because if you were his friend, you were his friend for life.

George enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and was a plankowner on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger CVA61. He was an active member and officer in the Ranger Reunion Association and liked traveling the country to attend its annual reunions and meeting new shipmates. He and Ruth became the ambassadors of the association.

After leaving the Navy, “Red” joined his brother Luke working at Eastern Fire Door, where he was an estimator and officer for nearly 50 years and driving throughout Connecticut to meet and work with their customers.

George and Ruth visited almost all of the U.S. states and national parks and ventured into many Canadian territories. He spent most of his free time tinkering and working on cars and there was always something he was turning over for sale in his driveway. He treasured his tools, especially duct tape and WD40. He also participated in the Guilford Senior Bocce League on Tuesdays. George had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke; our inboxes will miss the many jokes that he shared. He was a big softy, complaining about all the dogs and cats Ruthie brought home, yet always opening his heart to these pets, laughing at their antics and returning their affection.

George was a proud first-generation Italian, but a prouder American. He always assured there was an American and U.S. Navy flag flying in the yard. He was a member of the Guilford American Legion.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Julia (Carrieri) and brothers Luco and Salvatore.

George grew up in East Haven, where he met Ruth, but his family moved him to Lake Worth, Florida where he graduated high school. He returned to Connecticut to marry his sweetheart and continued to live in East Haven before moving to Guilford in 1971. He would have been 85 on April 22.

Funeral services with a military honor interment will be private. A memorial will be held at a later date when social gathering is safe for everyone. The family sends their sincere appreciation to the Shoreline Dialysis Center, the Guilford VNA, and Connecticut Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Guilford VNA or Connecticut Hospice.

Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever and George touched so many.