George E. Stamaris, a resident of Peoria, AZ, passed away May 20th. He was 95.
A lover of all things historical, especially having to do with the Civil War, George could recite events of that time late into his life. His favorite pastime was golf, which he played into his 90s, often with friends half his age.
George was a proud World War II veteran who fought with the famed 82nd Airborne in some of the most ferocious battles to end the Nazi stronghold on Western Europe. He would recall the transport planes carrying him and his fellow paratroopers bouncing wildly as anti-aircraft firepower exploded around him, only then to parachute into the night.
But his great love was his wife of more than 70 years, Dorothea, a war bride who would be his best friend over so many decades. He was a loyal friend to many and no one who heard of his passing didn’t note what a wonderful, caring person he was.
George is survived by his wife and two children, Dorie (Brad) Hedien and Denis (Anne) Stamaris, five grandchildren and a growing list of great-grandchildren.