IRONWOOD, Mich. - George N. DeMario, 93, of Ironwood, died peacefully Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood, with his loving family by his side.
He was born April 23, 1922, in Ironwood, son of the late Nick and Armenia (Dalpiaz) DeMario, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1940. He entered the U.S. Army on Nov. 23, 1942, serving stateside in the 302nd Army Air Force Base Unit 3rd Air Force, and was honorably discharged as a corporal on Feb. 14, 1946. Following his discharge, he returned to Ironwood where he was employed at Becker Trailer Factory/Schult Mobile Homes as a cabinetmaker for 38 years, retiring in 1984.
George was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood and the former St. Ambrose Catholic Church, where he served as an usher in his earlier years. He was also a member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5. He enjoyed his cottage at Pine Lake, fishing, hunting, traveling and casino bus trips. He was also a big Detroit Tigers fan. He especially loved spending time with his family.
He was married to Virginia Johnson on July 22, 1950, at the St. Ambrose rectory. She preceded him in death in 1958.
He then married Kathryn Barnaby on Aug. 22, 1964, at St. Ambrose Church. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1992.
Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Lee Barnaby, Champlin, Minn .; and a special friend, Dolores Swanson, Ironwood.
Besides his parents and wives, George was predeceased by a sister, Ann Pertile; brothers, Nick, Angelo, Joseph "Bullets" and brothers in infancy; nephews, Art Pertile Jr. and Joe Pertile; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 11, from 10-11 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.
Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, where full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.
Luncheon will be served in the parish hall upon return from the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Richard DeMario, Michael Pertile, Jason Pertile, Michael Barnaby, Frank Barnaby, Jim Jones, Dan Jones and Jerry Jones.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Our Lady of Peace Adopt-A-Student Program, 108 S. Marquette St., Ironwood, MI 49938.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.