George A. Konow, age 86, of Gloucester, Va., formerly of Redding, Conn., passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024. He was the son of the late Edward and Elsie Konow.

Born on May 12, 1937 and raised in Woodhaven, Queens, N.Y., George joined the U.S. Navy as a young adult serving aboard the USS Valley Forge and the USS Intrepid where he trained to become a helicopter pilot, his lifelong passion. After his naval career, he flew for New York Airways and Unisys Corporation. In 1961, he married the first love of his life, Carol Scott, and they raised two children in Redding. After Carol’s passing in 2012, George was fortunate enough to connect with a childhood friend, Barbara Kiefer, and they wed in 2014; they enjoyed six happy years together until Barbara’s death in 2020.

Known as ‘Mr. Fix-It,’ George could repair or build just about anything. He was involved in his community, serving on various committees, including Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 40 in Georgetown, Water Pollution Control Commission chairman, member of the Redding ‘Anti-Litter’ Committee, and was a strong supporter of the Steichen Lake/Topstone Park project in the early 1970s. He volunteered at the USS Intrepid Museum, serving for a number of years as Chairman of the Flag Program for the Former Crew Members Association. He was an avid antique car and model train enthusiast.

In addition to his wives, George was predeceased by a brother, Edward Konow. He leaves behind a son, Gary Konow of Gloucester; daughter, Sharon Jennings (Brian) of Gloucester; a sister, Barbara Lepkowski of Long Island, N.Y.; grandchildren, Andrew Jennings (Emily) and Brittany Ammons (Kris); great-grandson, Caleb Ammons; great-granddaughter, Wren Jennings; stepchildren, Jon Kiefer (Wendy), Georgia Gunter (Johnny), and Priscilla Hammond (Hank), and a host of other relatives whom he loved dearly.

You were a wonderful father and friend, dad, and we will miss you very much.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061 or the USS Intrepid Former Crew Members Association Scholarship Fund.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, assisted the family.