George Richard Elko

George Richard Elko was embraced by God on April 7, 2024. He was being lovingly cared for at the VITAS Hospice House in Rockledge, Florida, at the time of his passing. George was the sixth of eight children born to John and Anna (Krall) Elko in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On January 4, 1964, he married his sweetheart Barbara A. (Booher) Elko in Melbourne, Florida at Ascension Catholic Church. George and Barbara have two children, Cara A. (Elko) Giesen and Steven L. Elko, who were raised in Melbourne. He was a butcher at Pantry Pride and later at PAFB Commissary, until he was forced into early retirement due to a knee injury on the job. His new role in life quickly changed to the head cook in the house (where he became the creator of his own concoctions!) as well as the unconventional handy man… if you know George, you’ll know exactly what I mean!

George enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the many ocean cruises with his wife and children. He loved to play the slot machines and also supported education (in his own way) by enjoying the Florida Lottery Scratch offs! As a young father, he took his family on yearly vacations to Walt Disney World as it was his all-time favorite family vacation spot. Their pool home in Melbourne was the place of entertainment for relatives and friends on holidays and weekends for years. He was often found in the street playing neighborhood “tennis” baseball with the kids on Hudson Circle and he enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball team for many years. He took pleasure in car trading, often surprising his daughter when he picked her up at school in yet another “new” vehicle! He was an avid Steelers fan and never stopped watching a game even after moving to Florida, but his real love in life was his wife, Barbara. He was a good-hearted Catholic family man who had a lot of pride in his children and grandchildren. He always made the kids feel like they had a place to come home to, yet home was never complete without the companionship of a dog.

George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; daughter Cara; son Steve; brothers John Elko (Betty) and Donald Elko (Karen); sisters Bernice Knipling and Rose Elko; and sister-in-law Maria Elko (Nick); grandchildren Megan L. (Bryan) Shahlamian and Chad A. Giesen; great-grandchildren Addison and Brynlee Shahlamian; as well as over 20 nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Predeceased by parents John and Anna and siblings Nicholas Elko, Michael Elko (Linda) and sister Ruth Hegland (Swede).

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a visitation gathering on Monday, May 6th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1 in Rockledge, with a celebration of life beginning at 11:00 AM.