George Frank Havrilla

George Frank Havrilla George was born August 25, 1932 and left us in body, but not in spirit, on Friday, October 9, 2015. He was the son of George and Genevieve Havrilaa. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Vivian Phillips (Barnes) Havrilla and their children Vicki Dodd and husband Richard Dodd, Valerie Havrilla, Denise Thomas and Husband Wesley Thomnas, and Dennis Havrilla and partner Hector Cienfuengos and Gary Teter (deceased), Dennis' former partner of 27 years. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Reece Dodd and his fiance' Carly Squires, Corey Dodd and his wife Morgan Ashley Dodd, and his great-grandchildren Blaine and Emma Dodd. As the eldest of his siblings, he and his surviving sister Eve Laverda were preceded in death by their brother Dempsey Havrilla and their sisters Patty Madama and Betty Ann Cohen. Collectively, multiple generations from the five of them remain. Born and raised in New Jersey, George was also known as Harvey, Denny, Dennis, and Pappa George, depending on the relationship. He started his sheet metal apprenticeship in New Jersey in 1950 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in February 1953. Serving two years in the Korean War stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he finished his 4-year term in Virginia where he met his wife Vivian. After his honorable discharge in February 1957, he resumed his apprenticeship in New Jersey then transferred to Local #100 in Washington, D.C. in May of 1959. George and Vivian moved to Alexandria, Virginia to raise their family where George continued his trade for 44 years retiring in August 1994. Known as Denny to his co-workers, he mentored many during his tenure and was recognized as a true craftsman in his trade. A die-hard Washington Redskins and Nationals fan, George loved his sports, however, nothing could rival his love for the old west, always wishing he had been a cowboy. He watched old cowboy movies every day, regardless of how many times he had already seen them. He was a member of the Franconia Moose, where he met with his buddies every Friday after grocery shopping to swap stories and enjoy his beloved glass of beer. It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye to him, but he lived a long, good life with the love of so many people that there are too many to mention. He will truly be missed, but is standing guard over those of us who remain until we meet him again. At his request, a private memorial and cremation will be held on October 14th, followed by a Celebration of George as he only wanted a big party with friends and family to remember him and celebrate his life. For information about the celebration on October 17th, please contact Vicki Dodd at 405-210-8640. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, which was the charity he held dearest to his heart.

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George Frank Havrilla

August 25, 1932 - October 9, 2015