KINNEAR, Admiral George
E.R. II "Gus" Made his final take-off on Sunday, August 9, 2015, from his home in York Harbor, Maine, surrounded by his family flight crew who loved him dearly. He was born on Jan. 12, 1928, in Mounds, OK, and raised in Brooksville, FL. Adm. Kinnear began his Naval career in 1945 on his 17th birthday as a Seaman Recruit, received his wings in 1948, and retired in 1982 as a four-star Admiral. He made over 1000 carrier landings and flew over 100 combat missions in more different types of aircraft than any Naval aviator. He earned several awards for valor, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal. In between tours in Korea and Vietnam, he earned a PhD from Stanford University in Engineering Management. After achieving Flag rank, he served as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Navy; Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic; and U.S. Member to the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium. After his retirement from the Navy, Adm. Kinnear served as Senior Vice President, Grumman Corporation; Interim President of the University of New Hampshire; and Chairman of the Military Officer's Association of America. He served on the Board of several U.S. institutions, including the University of Southern California School of Business, and the Aerospace and Compaq Corporations. "Gus" was humble, gracious, and down-to-earth, and was known for his humor and boundless energy. He played football for the Universities of Florida and Florida State and was an avid tennis player. His life was a shining example of the value of character, integrity, and valor, as well as devotion to his family and country. He was a true patriot and American hero, and we mourn his loss. Gus was predeceased by his parents Neil and Mary, brother Neil T. Kinnear Jr., sisters Patsy Crum and Peggy Carr, and sons George III ("Scooter") and P. Kim Kinnear. He is survived by his wife, Mary Cundari Kinnear; sons Kevin Kinnear, Douglas Kinnear, Stephen Cundari and David Cundari; daughters Kandace Kinnear Balazich, Holley Kinnear and Christina Cundari Vieglais; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in York, Maine, at 11:00 AM on Sept. 12, 2015. Burial is being planned for Arlington National Cemetery. For more details, visit: www.lucaseatonfuneral
home.com
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Published in The Boston Globe on Aug. 15, 2015
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