George P. Gaus' Obituary
George Paul Gaus passed away at his home in Trinity, FL on Friday, July 28th 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was 91 years old, but if you asked him, he could pass for 80.
Known as Paul to his family, he was born in Scranton, PA on August 24, 1931 to Carl and Helen (Birtel) Gaus. One of 14 children in a large extended family, he grew up among countless cousins, aunts, and uncles who lived within several blocks of the family home.
At age 19, he enlisted in the US Army and served on the front lines in the Korean conflict, rising from the rank of Private to Master Sergeant. He was wounded in combat by a piece of shrapnel to his arm, but he refused to register or treat the injury because, as he said, it was “just a scratch.” Even in his younger days, he showed his characteristic stubbornness, which would define his lifelong strength and spirit. For his steadfast service, George was awarded the Korean Service Medal (4 bronze stars), the UN Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Upon his return home to Scranton, PA, he married Joan Krager, whom he had known since childhood, on November 8, 1952. Together they raised sons, George and Stephen, in Scranton, PA, Bridgeport, CT, and at their family home in Milford, CT. George was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft for 33 years, where he realized early-on the importance of education. He took every opportunity from his employer to continue his learning by taking classes or traveling to different sites throughout the country for exposure to new technology and manufacturing techniques. These efforts proved fruitful, as he rose through the ranks to the position of General Foreman of Receiving Inspection.
George and Joan retired to Trinity, FL in 1997, and made many friends among neighbors. They were happily married for 62 years until she preceded him in death in 2015. He wore his wedding ring every day after her passing, acknowledging that she was “waiting for him impatiently.”
His grandchildren Paul, Dan, Jim, Erin, and Chris were his pride and joy, and to them, he was larger-than-life. They will remember him as an incredible grandfather who made Christmas Eves magical, transforming the downstairs of the house in Milford, CT into a sea of presents. Even more importantly, they will remember how present he was in their lives as they grew, through visits and family vacations, the numerous sporting events in which they competed, and copious other activities in which they participated. He was incredibly proud of the adults they became, celebrating their successes, mentoring them with his advice, and cherishing their phone calls and visits.
His great-grandchildren Riley, Dylan, Aden, and Joshua were precious to him, and they were fortunate to get to know the person their great-grandfather was, and to be able to make their own memories with him.
Throughout his life he was active and pursued many hobbies, from bowling and studying Civil War history to golf. He was an avid reader who enjoyed listening to audio books, and loved playing cards so long as he was on the winning team. He walked two miles every day around his beloved Wyndgate neighborhood, enjoyed an ice-cold beer or glass of red wine, and was the penultimate cookie connoisseur. He was an entertaining storyteller and was as known for his sharp wit as he was for his opinions (solicited or not) on current events.
In addition to his sons, George and Stephen, George is lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Paul (April), Dan (Amy), Jim (Stephanie), Erin (Jason), and Chris (Jessica) and great-grandchildren, Riley, Dylan, Aden, and Joshua. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Betty (Stephen), whom he considered his own daughter; siblings Helen, Ethel, Earl, Frank, Carol, Edwin, and Sharon; many nieces and nephews, as well as his dear companion Lucy, who brought him much happiness.
In addition to his wife Joan and parents Carl and Helen, he was predeceased by siblings Carl, Howard, Fred, Ruth, Evelyn, and Harold.
In accordance with George’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held for family at Trinity Memorial Gardens on Thursday, August 10 at 10am. There will be no calling hours.
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