George German, 69

BARRINGTON, R.I. – George German formerly of Barrington and currently of Riverside and Coconut Creek, Florida, died Aug. 14, surrounded by his loving family and friends. 

Born in Kiel, Germany, to Holocaust survivors Bella and Sam German, George immigrated to Providence with his parents and brother at 3 months old. George’s yearbook from Hope High School noted his fondness for cars, motorcycles and ice hockey. These hobbies never dulled for George, though they took a backseat to the love of his life: Kathleen Ann (Chadwick), whom he married in 1978.  

George was a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War. His love of people, action and many hours spent apprenticing in event management at the Rhode Island Auditorium led to his first career as a union laborer and later foreman with Laborers Local 1033 at the Providence Civic Center when the building opened in 1972. For many years, George would best be known as the Zamboni driver for the Rhode Island Reds, until their departure, and then again when the Providence Bruins returned professional hockey to the state. In 1981, he left his full-time role at the Civic Center to pursue his next full-time career as the co-owner and operator of Cut Price Swimming Pools and Mr. Christmas in Centerdale and later in Johnston. 

George was the consummate family man and leaves behind two children, Joshua Sam and Sarah Elizabeth. In addition to his immediate family, George leaves behind his brother Charlie German, sister-in-law Anne German and their daughter, George’s beloved niece, Brooke. 

George was also a true friend to many of his friends’ children and his children’s friends. Both a gentleman and a gentle man, George greeted everyone with a warm nod, smile and wink. Though a man of few words, his eyes said it all with a hint of mystery, boundless kindness and fierce loyalty.

Contributions in George’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be deeply appreciated.