Obituary of George Evans

You can livestream the mass of Christian burial via the following link:

https://youtu.be/CBQOVjAmDFQ

George Thomas Evans age 95, formerly of South Orange and Upper Montclair, passed away September 26, 2021 having lived an immensely loving and impactful life; characterized by his devotion to God, his family, his friends, his country and to others. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Cassian and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

George was predeceased in 1987 by his wife and companion of 35 years Mary Patricia (McGovern) Evans, his sister Catherine (Sr. Rosemarie, Sisters of Saint Joseph) and brother William T. Evans. George was cherished by his eight children, Mary Evans, Patricia (Sam) Turvey, Cecelia (Ed) Beekman, Tim (Joyce) Evans, William (Nancy) Evans, Thomas G. Evans, Margaret (Nick) Beattie, and Frank (Tara) Evans and Pop Pop’s ten adoring grandchildren John, Catherine and Georgia Turvey, Tim (Michelle) and Anna Beekman, Michael, Thomas (Alyssa), Will, Meg, and George Evans. The family is deeply appreciative to Michael Kwakye, who provided professional and compassionate care during the past two years of George’s life and who became a beloved family member.

After graduation from West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, George joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Juneau (CL-119). Post-war, he enrolled in LaSalle College. He had a successful and rewarding career and was a Vice President for Bristol Myers, where he led sales and promotions for Monarch Crown and ultimately left the workforce in 1998.

Giving back to the community was central to George and his wife Mary Pat’s lives. They helped establish the St. Cassian School PTA, the first Parish Council and the School’s Foundation. Among other commitments, he was the Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 8, helped fundraise for the Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Unit and served on the board of the West Essex Rehabilitation Center. In more recent years, George was very active with the Mercier Club, and its annual charitable Beefsteak Dinner. He also was a proud member of Montclair’s Dunworkin’ Club, a weekly lunch and lecture organization for retirees. “Pop Pop” also volunteered one day a week in the lunchroom at Our Lady of Sorrows School in South Orange.

His treasured sister Catherine, who died at an early age of leukemia, was a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill. George was a key force in raising over $1 million for the aged and infirm Sisters of the order. His love and pride for his sister, and the order, remained with him his entire life.

A lifelong learner, George was an enthusiast determined to put a smile on the face of everyone he met. Near the end, George considered himself the “luckiest guy in the world,” but those who knew and loved him will claim to be the luckier.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 9701 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118-2694 or https://www.ssjphila.org/home/support-our-mission/donate-page