George Walter Kalinowski - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

George Walter Kalinowski

February 5, 1926 - January 3, 2015

George Walter Kalinowski passed away peacefully at age 88 on January 3, 2015, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Bialystok, Poland in 1926, George came to the United States via Ellis Island, NY, with his parents Leon Kalinowski Sr. and Helena (Adamovich) Kalinowski. He was raised in Middlesville, NY. George was a good man, known to be humble, honest and dedicated to his wife and family.

George served in the US Navy during World War II. He helped guard and supervise work details of German POWs while attending Naval Advanced Gunnery School in Oklahoma. After gunnery school, he was assigned to naval air stations in Florida. He flew aboard Dauntless SBDs (Scout Bomber Douglas) or Slow But Deadly on anti-submarine missions. In December 1945, his squadron flew search missions, looking for the infamous Lost Flight 19 of the Bermuda Triangle. He was honorably discharged as an Aviation Radioman Third Class, having been awarded two medals: the American Defense Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.

After his discharge, George came to Delaware where he attended the University of Delaware and received his bachelor of science degree in 1950; his father was working for the Dupont Company at the Chambers Works site. He worked on an automotive assembly line and at a railroad repair facility, then, began his career with Dupont. He started May 1956, at the Chestnut Run site, in the Elastomers division. He retired nearly 33 years later, March 1989, as the Research Technologist in charge of the Polymer Products Physical Test Lab.

George was an excellent athlete and enjoyed playing sports in all seasons. He could skate, ski, serve, shoot, pass, catch, hit¦etc. with the best. Excelling in basketball, George earned the nickname Killer for his shutdown defense against the best scorer of any other team his Dupont team played against. He helped coach Little League for his sons and always made time for card and board games with his loved ones and friends. He played countless games of pinochle with his wife Betty, family and their many friends. George was an excellent fisherman and an avid outdoorsman, often taking his family and their friends fishing and hiking.

George enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, spending many hours on trips to Battery Park, Lums Pond, Alopocas Park, Becks Pond and the YMCA. He shared special times with nephew Danny riding around, getting coffee and donuts. After retirement, George especially liked playing golf with Betty and their friends.

George will be greatly missed by Betty (Sellers) Kalinowski, his loving, devoted wife of 59 years, son Jon (wife Cathy and their children Daniel and Katie), daughter Beth (husband Barry and their daughters Susanne and Rebecca), daughter Jill (husband Tony and their son William), son Thomas (wife Kerry), and son Mark (wife Nell). He will also be missed by his many loving nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. George was predeceased by his sister Hedi, his brother Leon, Jr., and his son Bill.

A brief committal service will be held on Tuesday, January 13 at 2 p.m. at The Chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE where private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or visit woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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9 Condolences for George Walter Kalinowski

  • So sorry for you loss. The family is in my thoughts and prayers~

  • My wife Lorraine & I have been long time friends with Beth & Berry Beale and wish them all the best during this time of sorrow and loss.

  • Thank you, Heather, for your kind words and thoughts. We dearly miss Dad.

  • Thank you, Chris & Lorraine. We appreciate your kind words and are thankful for friendships like yours! We dearly miss Dad.

  • So sorry for your loss. He was a great man that served his country admirably.
    Leroy and Lisa

  • Dear Betty and Family…..Wishing you Comfort, Strength and Peace for now and all the days ahead….With Deepest Sympathy

  • Jill, so sorry for the loss of your Dad, its never easy to say goodbye to a parent. You are in my thoughts.

    Deepest Sympathy to all of your family. Mary

  • So sorry for your loss. He was a great family man and I know he will be missed by his loved ones. Praying for your family as you face this difficult time. Hoping that many fond memories will give you all peace.

  • Our sincerest condolences from the Poultney Family