George W Wardwell III

George Wardwell, 81 and a 52-year resident of San Jose, died on Thursday October 25, 2018. He was born on March 30, 1937, in Long Beach, CA where he was raised by George and Mabel Wardwell.

George spent 5 years in the Navy and was an electronics technician. After he got out of the Navy, he went to work for JPL where he worked on spacecraft that surveyed the moon, Venus and Mars in the early 1960’s. George even has his name on the moon. In 1966, he moved to San Jose to work for Fairchild. He stayed with Fairchild/National Semiconductor for over 33 years and retired in 1999.

In his spare time, George enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading and camping.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel, his sister Patty, and his wife Marla, whom he was married to for 40 years.

Surviving him is Linda, his wife of 16 years and his three children: Doug (Sandy), Tom (Stephanie), Gayle (Lee); and his eight grandchildren: Becky, Bryce, EJ, Katie, Courtney, Taylor, Jonathan, Ryan, and Linda’s three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 11, 2018, from 2-4pm at Oak Hill Cemetery in the Rose Chapel. Everyone knows that George loved flannel shirts. The family will be wearing one as a tribute. Feel free to participate if you wish.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are recommended to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.