George Howe Jr.

George Howe Jr., age 67, of Oregon IL passed away suddenly, and unexpectedly on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at his home.

This obituary could quickly escalate into a novel, or an epic for that matter. George Howe Jr. was a remarkable, one-of-a-kind gentleman. A true renaissance man. And although his time on

this Earth ended prematurely, his accomplishments and accolades were vast in both scope and ambition.

George was born on December 20th, 1957, and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, by two additionally impressive individuals, George Howe Sr. “Poppie” and Geraldine Howe (nee Viggiano). George was the older brother to his only sibling, and dear friend, Joe Howe (Sandra nee Goforth). George attended Queen of Angels grammar school, and St. Benedict’s High

School. Two institutions that he cared for deeply and remained involved with long after commencement. It was here that he met and fell in love with his wife and best friend, Mary

Ann (nee Knudsen). Together with Mary, the two raised two sons, George III “Georgie” (Amanda nee Priebe) and Daniel “Danny” (Laura nee Nand). George was patriarch to this strong

family unit, which maintained a lasting, and genuine love for each other.

George continued with his education, and graduated from Columbia College, where he followed his passion of journalism and radio broadcasting. George worked for several local news stations, and was a regular author in the Chicago Sun Times, and The Italian American newspaper. George interviewed the entire spectrum of personalities from local shopkeepers to Chicago sports greats such as Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Ryne Sandberg. George also worked several side jobs to provide for his young family. He was also a fixture at Welles Park, and the

Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club/Paul Revere Park where he dedicated his time to mentor and coach young children.

George decided to set the pen and paper down briefly and entered a long and rewarding career with United Airlines. He proudly served as a Flight Attendant for over 30 years and did it with distinction and pride. It was at United Airlines where he made lifelong friends. The career, and his United Family embodied him, it was something he fervently revered.

After retirement, George was blessed with the ultimate gifts, grandchildren. He was proudly and affectionately known as “Nonno” to four grand babies: Maeve “Gia”, Autumn, Danny-Wolf, and Hunter. George had an extremely deep and profound relationship with each grandchild, and they in turn marveled at his quirkiness and ability to make them laugh; they all deeply loved him.

However, retirement was not in the cards for George. He and Mary packed up their belongings and moved to Oregon Illinois. Here, George would establish meaningful relationships with

individuals from all walks of life. George found himself working more in retirement than he did outside of retirement. His strong work ethic would come full circle. He re-established his passion for journalism and radio work, and wrote for several local publications, and was a radio news personality for River Country, Sky, and WIXN.

Around the same time George was reintroduced to an old college buddy, Ken Soens. The two would go on to create the highly enjoyable and respected, Emerging Menaces Podcast. Ken’s friendship and the podcast itself was a creative outlet and brought lasting joy to George. George also proudly served the community. He was a member of the Oregon Rotary Club, the Committeeman for the Rockvale District 1 region, and Park Board Commissioner for the Oregon Park District. George was also an accomplished 16-inch softball player and even played the bass drum in the Glengael bagpipe band.

Although George wore many hats, perhaps his greatest skill and talent was helping others. He was a philanthropist. He wasn’t a man of vast financial wealth, but he was blessed with the gift of listening and being present. He was a trusted confidant, and a fierce believer in loyalty. He was the soulmate to his wife, the hero to his sons, the champion to his grandchildren, caring brother, respected uncle, and a genuine friend to his colleagues, extended family, and companions.

George Howe was the living embodiment of George Bailey. He was selfless, sincere, dedicated, and charitable. His friendships were vast, and to borrow a phrase penned to the aforementioned fictional character George Bailey, “Dear George, remember, no man is a failure who has friends”. George has signed off but has definitely earned his wings and is smiling down on all of us from heaven. We love you. So long for now.

A Mass and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, located at 301 N. 4th Street in Oregon Illinois, 61061. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Coliseum Fine Arts Center, which is a short distance from the church and is located at the corner of Route 2 and Franklin Street.

Because of the sudden nature of George’s passing, the family asks with all gentleness, that in lieu of flowers, you might consider a contribution to help Mary with final expenses and the

challenges of widowhood. Donations may be made at:

https://givesendgo.com/Inmemoryofgeorgehowe

Arrangements entrusted to Finch Funeral Home, Oregon, Illinois.

So passes George “Nonno” Howe Jr.

a gentleman of the skies

now sailing on into the everlasting light.