George Kimmel

George Stuart Kimmel, 86, while surrounded by family, entered his heavenly home on March 1, 2021.  George was born on August 22, 1934 in Rochester, NY to George and Marcella Kimmel.  After his mother’s death in 1944, George was raised by his loving stepmother, Betty Kimmel.  George met the love of his life, Audrey Schryer at Webster High School (Webster, NY) and was known to hitchhike across northern NY to visit her when the two attended separate colleges.  Upon George’s graduation from Clarkson College in Potsdam, NY, he and Audrey wed on June 15, 1957.  George served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Hamilton (NY) during the early years of their marriage.  George began his business career as a CPA with Peat, Marwick and Mitchell and worked in New York City, Rochester, NY, and New Orleans.  His intellect, discipline and drive opened opportunities in business management.  George served in executive leadership positions with Lykes Corporation in New Orleans, Combustion Engineering in Stamford, CT and Asea Brown Boveri (ABB).  George retired from the business world in 1990 and he and Audrey moved to Gulf Breeze, FL to be closer to their children and grandchildren residing along the Gulf Coast.   When Audrey’s health deteriorated and she required an organ transplant, George became her devoted caregiver.  He spent hours at her bedside, was her advocate and health coach.  When Audrey recovered, he continued to closely monitor her health, took on many of the household chores and was relentless about cleanliness.  George had a wide variety of interests and hobbies.  He loved reading and music, was an avid gardener and enjoyed golf and tennis.  George had an affinity for dogs and especially enjoyed hunting with his bird dogs.  George loved being by the water and boats of all types – he owned and enjoyed everything from the smallest solo canoe to large power boats. George supported and assisted Audrey’s efforts in genealogical research and compiling the family history.  George and Audrey established the Schryer Center for Genealogical Research at the Franklin County Historical and Museum Society in Malone, NY.  For many years, George and Audrey spent summers at their lake house on Gull Pond in Tupper Lake, NY.  Family and friends have many fond memories of time spent at the “camp”.  George’s biggest joy, however, was his family.  Despite extensive travel during his business career, George made time for this family and his children always knew they were fiercely loved.  After his retirement, family gatherings were common and a great source of joy for George.  George was a devoted and loving grandfather and great grandfather.  He showered his grandchildren with love, provided advice and counsel, and rejoiced in their achievements.  George’s family remembers him as highly disciplined, generous, humble, thoughtful, affectionate, and deliberate in all things.  He expected that his children (and others) do their best.  While they were in school, his children remember his admonitions to “think A” and “do good work”.  They also remember his dry wit and often silly sense of humor.  In his later years, George was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and with their roles reversed, Audrey became his devoted advocate and caregiver.  As was his nature, George fought his loss of memory by making notes and worked hard to maintain a normal life.  He was largely successful until the last months of his life.  Despite the ravages of Alzheimer’s, George’s personality never faded. His sense of humor, generosity, kindness, and love of family were displayed until his last breath. George’s family is comforted by the knowledge that he is now in his heavenly home and free of pain and disease.  George had a strong Christian faith and trusted in the Promise of the Gospel.  During his last days, he took great joy from hearing the hymns of the Church.  During his final moments on earth, his ears were filled with the words of his beloved Audrey’s recitation of the 23rd Pslam, the Lord’s Prayer and singing his favorite hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy”.  George is survived by Audrey, his wife of 63 years.  Also surviving him are his son, Frederick Kimmel and wife Linda; daughter Marcella Miller and husband Klein; and daughter Patricia Simmering and husband Scott.  He is survived by grandchildren Stephen Miller and wife Kristen, Thomas Simmering and wife Ari, Andrew Kimmel, Kathryn Miller, Annie Simmering, Emily Simmering, Kayla McConnell and great-grandchildren London Simmering and Kimmel Miller.  George is survived by his 4 siblings, Joyce O’Brien, Kathy Adams and husband George, Doris Johantgen and husband Hank, and Charles Kimmel and wife Lavena.  He was preceded in death by parents George and Marcella Kimmel and stepmother Betty Kimmel.  Audrey and the rest of the family are very thankful and appreciative for the care George received from caregivers Cathy Ward and Jody Howard. During his final illness, George received excellent care from the staff of Gulf Breeze Hospital and Vitas Hospice and the family expresses their deep appreciation.  In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory can be made to Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Communion Fund (assistance for those in need) or the Schryer Center for Genealogical Research (www.franklinhistory.org/schryer-center) contact a family member for donation instructions.  Visitation and services will be held at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 on Monday, March 8.  Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.  A family graveside service will be held immediately after the funeral service at Rose Lawn Cemetery.