George Loomis

George Perkins Loomis, Jr., age 93, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018. Beloved husband of 64 years to the late Kathryn "Bunny" Loomis (nee Mayo); loving father of Kathryn ("Muffy") Kaesberg (Jim) and David Loomis (Dori). Cherished grandfather to Julia and Eric Kaesberg, and Emily and Hannah Loomis. Son of the late George and Helen Loomis (nee Wood) and brother of the late Dorothy Dunbar (Don).

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he moved to Silver Lake, OH when he was eight. His father was a patent-holding scientist for BF Goodrich and his grandfather was an early mayor of Mechanicsburg, OH. While both his father and grandfather died young, George's unwavering spirit of optimism and youthfulness propelled him through a long, rich life full of wonder and success.

George attended Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, where he was swimmer, singer and debater. He earned a BS in mechanical engineering from M.I.T. and an MBA from Harvard Business School. From 1942 to 1945 he served as a flight navigator in the Army Air Transport Command, where he travelled to South America, Africa and India. He was scheduled to ship to Iwo Jima when the war ended and he continued his education.

With a wardrobe as sharp as his mind, he began his career in the sales training department at Reliance Electric in Syracuse, where he met his future wife. After moving to a branch manager position in Dayton, he began work at Mogul Corporation, a Cleveland-based water treatment chemical corporation. Over the next 29 years, he would rise through the ranks of Mogul, with roles in sales, marketing, international and, ultimately, serving as vice president of operations, heading up HR, manufacturing and purchasing.

He held leadership positions in Junior Achievement and the Chagrin Falls Chamber of Commerce. After early retirement, George signed on as President of the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation in Indianapolis, IN. He enjoyed the fraternity so much in college - serving as his chapter president and a representative at national delegations - that he wanted to give back to support its important mission.

After retiring a second time, he and Bunny relocated to Tucson, AZ, a base they used for global travel that included sailing around the world with the Semester At Sea program, hiking Machu Picchu and visiting the Galapagos Islands. He saw over 40 countries in his lifetime. His ongoing hobbies of golf and model trains kept him busy, but his artistic side blossomed later in life as he took up photography, drawing and watercolors. Throughout his life, the sound of jazz music was ever-present, especially big bands like Count Basie and the piano of Dave Brubeck.

George and Bunny moved back to Cleveland in 2010 and most recently lived at South Franklin Circle in Chagrin Falls. Despite health issues since the recent passing of his wife, George maintained the broad smile and good-naturedness for which he was known, maintaining daily curiosity for current events, sports and the lives of his family members. Across the fabric of his years, the most important thread was his integrity, which he steadfastly maintained throughout his accomplished life, proving that "good guys really can finish first." He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to Western Reserve Academy, 115 College St. Hudson, OH 44236 or Delta Tau Delta Education Foundation, 10000 Allisonville Rd. Fishers, IN 46038. A service celebrating George's life will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 2:00 pm, reception to follow, in the Chautauqua Room at South Franklin Circle, 16575 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.