George E. Lilja Jr.

George E. Lilja, Jr. 79, of Eastham, MA died at home on November 13, 2014 after a brief, courageous battle with mesothelioma. He was surrounded by his loving daughters and his devoted wife of 54 years, Norma D. Lilja.

George grew up in Easton, MA. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the Korean War. Until his retirement, he was a locat #7 Union ironworker for 30 years. George loved watching the birds, playing cribbage, and gambling at the Mohegan Sun and in Las Vegas; but the greatest love of all was spending time with his wife, the love of his life.

George was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed by his daughters: Sheri Lilja and her partner Patrick Hannigan of Dennis, MA, and Sheila McNeill and her husband Todd McNeill of Lakeville, MA. He is survived by his four grandchildren: Christian Fish and his fiancé, Kim Hausmann, and Jody Fish, all of San Francisco, CA; Garret McNeill and Devan McNeill of Lakeville, MA.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at curemeso.org.

A private burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.