George O. Mills

George O. Mills, 95, of Lavallette, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on December 21, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey, George was the son of Earl and Dolores Mills of Verona. A gifted athlete, he graduated from Verona High School in 1949, where he participated in three varsity sports and was selected as Essex County's First Team Quarterback in 1948 when they won the state championship.

George continued his academic and athletic career at Muhlenberg College, graduating in 1953. There he played both football and baseball and was honored as co-MVP of the football team during his senior year.

Following college, George attended the United States Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned the rank of Ensign. He proudly served his country for four years, including assignments in Guam and aboard military transport ships. While stationed in Guam, he married his hometown sweetheart, Patricia Edelhausser, in 1954 during a military wedding ceremony.

After completing his military service, George joined IBM in New York City as a marketing representative. He enjoyed a successful 35-year career with the company before retiring in 1987.

After several moves within Essex County, George and Patricia settled in Livingston, New Jersey, where they raised their four children.

A dedicated community member, George coached Livingston Little League for eight years, from 1964 through 1972, positively impacting countless young athletes.

George had a lifelong love of sports. An avid golfer and devoted fan, he cheered for the New York Giants and the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, later adding the New York Yankees to his list of favorites.

As lovers of the Jersey Shore, they retired to Lavallette in 1995, where George became a volunteer with the Caregivers Volunteers of Ocean County.

He and Patricia spent 26 winters in Jupiter, Florida, and cherished many happy times in Key West. They enjoyed many years of travel, having visited all 7 continents and more than 60 countries.

George will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his love of sports, his spirit of service, and the kindness, integrity, and humor he shared with everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.

George was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Dolores Mills, and by his beloved sister, Joyce Owen, who passed away in May 2020.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Patricia Mills; his children Michael Mills, Linda Wells (Roger), Tracey Winand, and Kyle Peacock (Jeff); his 13 grandchildren; his 9 great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Nancy Edelhausser, and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial gathering will be offered on Tuesday, July 28th, from 2-5 pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 700 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to All Kids Play, (https://allkidsplay.org/) or Seeds of Service (https://www.seedsofservice.help/).

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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