George Grenke
Saturday
9
February

Visitation

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Bailey Funeral Home - Mendham
8 Hilltop Rd.
Mendham, New Jersey, United States
(973) 543-4720
Monday
11
February

Celebrant Service

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Monday, February 11, 2019
Somerset Hills Memorial Park Chapel
95 Mt. Airy Road
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States

Obituary of George E Grenke

George E. Grenke passed away peacefully at home, holding his wife’s hand, on February 5, 2019. He was 88 years old.

Born in Newark, New Jersey to parents George J. and Marta (nee Chassé) Grenke, George graduated from Grover Cleveland high school. When he was 20, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his combat tour of duty in Korea, he returned to the States and made the rank of Sergeant. He was the Marine Corps Standard Bearer in the Color Guard while stationed at Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington D.C. and participated in the weekly parades. 

After his service in the Marines, George worked for Otis Elevator in New York City and later on worked as a tool and dye maker/model maker for Rowe International in Whippany. His skills were not only useful at work though, his family remembers him as a skilled tradesman and a man who could fix anything. Spending his free time tinkering, George would solve everyday problems by making custom pieces, tools, and gadgets. He was a jack of all trades. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the DAV and spent his life loving and caring for animals. 

George is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Diana (nee Macaluso) and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last March was one of his happiest moments.

He is also survived by his children Darren (wife Brooke), Debra (husband Gaspar), Eric (wife Michele), and Kristen; his grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his goddaughter, Cindy Runyon. He was predeceased by his niece, Cindy Braswell. A true family man, a proud Marine, an animal lover: his quick wit and caring nature will be missed dearly. 

A visitation will be held from 2-6 PM on Saturday, February 9, at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Rd, Mendham NJ, 07945. A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 11, at 1 PM at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s name can be made to Animal Alliance, 1432 NJ-179, Lambertville, NJ 08530.  www.animalalliancenj.org

 

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