George Kolega

George Joseph Kolega of Frederick, 90, passed away peacefully on January 9,  2021.  He was the beloved husband of Rosemary Torrine Kolega for 59 years.
Born in Johnstown, Pa on July 31, 1930, he was the son of the late George and Susanna (Glovyna) Kolega.  He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Margaret, John, Frank, Irene and Helen.

George graduated from Johnstown High School and then studied at the Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C.  He served proudly in the Marine Corps from 1951 -1954.  George began his career as a Divisional Manager for Sears Roebuck and Company in 1960 and worked for them until he retired in 1986.

After his retirement, he found pleasure traveling with his wife and family.  He loved spending his time in Venice, FL during the winter and enjoyed the beach in Ocean City, MD during the summer.  George created many memories for his family and friends.  He had a larger than life personality and enjoyed making everyone laugh.  One of his prize processions was being a season ticket holder for the Washington Redskins.

George was a devout Catholic who attended St. Ignatius Parish and then St. John’s the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. He was a Eucharist Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus. He showed us how to love, sacrifice and have faith in God.

In addition to his wife Rosemary, he is survived by his six children. Susan Kolega Fisher (Chris), Kevin Nicholas Kolega (Carolyn), Elizabeth Kolega French (Braden), Margaret Augusta Kolega, Julia Kolega Geppert (Gary), Gregory Torrine Kolega (Jennifer), his 12 grandchildren: Christopher and Marybeth Fisher, Nicholas (Kelsey), Brennan, Joseph and Jakob Kolega, Alexandra and Reilly French, Nicholas and Marykate Geppert, Cameron and Drew Kolega and his great-granddaughter Josephine Kolega. He is also survived by brother Bill Kolega and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

Our Popie’s love will be forever in our hearts and as he taught us, we will always remember to “Shake a Little Love”.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:30AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Rd., Ijamsville, MD 21754.  The celebrant will be Father Michael Jendrek.

The mass will be livestream, please contact the family for the link.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to Doey’s House, Hospice of Washington County, Inc., 747 Northern Ave. Hagerstown, MD 21742.