George David Withers of S. Pasadena, FL, passed away on March 28, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.

George was born in Zanesville, OH, the fifth son of Marlan and Mary Jane (Van Arsdale) Withers. After graduating from Bishop Rosecrans High School, George enlisted in the US Navy and became a radar electronics technician (ETR). George left the Navy after his initial enlistment and enrolled in Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) in St. Petersburg, FL under the GI Bill while also employed by the US Postal Service.

After two years, George relocated to Denver, CO and was hired as an engineer by Mountain Bell, completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Denver. George re-entered the US Navy for a single enlistment, subsequently returning to Mountain Bell. When AT&T was broken up into smaller companies, George stayed in Denver working with the newly formed US West Communications.

In the early 2000s George left US West and worked in several start-up companies in the burgeoning cellular industry, returning to Qwest Communications (which had purchased US West) as a consultant. After his retirement from the communications industry, George stayed active by becoming a carrier with the US Postal Service for several years.

In 2014, after tiring of the Colorado winters, George returned to the St. Petersburg area to fully retire. He was soon joined by his dear friend and companion Charline McDonald who stayed with him during his final years. George and Charline were members of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in St. Petersburg. George also served as HOA president for several years before stepping down due to health reasons.

George is survived by his son Patrick of Littleton, CO; brothers Dan (Sharon) of St. Petersburg, FL and John (Karen Zapp) of Lawrenceville, GA; and numerous cousins scattered across the country. A funeral Mass (TBD) will be held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in St. Petersburg. His ashes will later be interred at the family plot in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Zanesville, OH.

George was known for his keen mind and a wry sense of humor. He was that quiet guy at the party who noticed everything and talked with everyone. His strength of character and gentleness of spirit attracted many friends, and he remembered the details long after the conversations. He was loved and will certainly be missed by family and friends alike.

Requiescat in pace.