George Hamilton Friedlander

George Hamilton Friedlander, 87, of Jacksonville, Florida died on July 7, 2012. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on June 23, 1925, George was the tenth of 11 children. He enlisted in the service during World War II, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force on seven war patrols aboard the U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287) and U.S.S. Billfish (SS-286). George was on the commissioning crew of the Bowfin, nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger, which is permanently homeported at the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he graduated from Marietta College, where he played football on the defensive line and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He then went to work for The Hartford A & I. Posted to Cincinnati, Ohio, George soon met his wife of 58 years, Helen Starbuck of Traverse City, Michigan.

The young couple soon moved to Nashville, Tennessee where George honed his skills in the surety bond industry. Shortly after the birth of their first child, he relocated the family to Charleston, West Virginia. In Charleston, George developed an insurance agency into what became the George H. Friedlander Company, which continues to provide bonds and insurance to support construction projects in West Virginia, Florida and several other states. During this time, George’s second daughter was born. George’s integrity, intelligence, humor and tenacity made a positive difference with his many loved ones, friends and colleagues. In addition, George and his family were active members of the Kanawha United Presbyterian Church.

Once the federal interstate system was completed in West Virginia, George and Helen moved to Stuart, Florida to provide surety bonds and insurance for various Florida construction projects. After many fruitful years in Stuart, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to be near their daughter and grandchild. Through much of his adult life, George enjoyed refinishing furniture and woodworking, telling stories, reading, socializing with colleagues and friends, and being with his wife and children.

George is survived by his wife, Helen Starbuck Friedlander, his daughter Gretchen Blair Friedlander of Phoenix, Arizona, and his grandson Eli Starbuck Danser. His daughter, Karen Corbett Danser, preceded him in death. He is also survived by his brother, David Gerald Friedlander (Sarah) of Columbus, Ohio, his son-in-law, Richard Danser, and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count.

George’s family would like to acknowledge the kindness and support of their friends and family during George’s final illness, and the loving support of Community Hospice, Comfort Keepers and Dena Swank.

A memorial service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach on July 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Marietta College, Office of Advancement, 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, OH 45750; or to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32257.