George E. R. Kinnear II January 12, 1928 - August 9, 2015 YORK HARBOR, ME -- Admiral George E. R. "Gus" Kinnear II made his final take-off on Sunday, Aug. 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.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for George Kinnear

Sponsored by Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home Inc.

8 Entries

Robert Bruce Bobinski

November 25, 2024

AC2 Robert B. Bobinski, Endless thanks for your many years of honorable service to These United States, Sir.

I worked for Admiral Kinnear at NATO headquarter in Brussels, Belgium and NAS Norfolk from 1980-1982 and he was a great boss, a great man, and a great person to work for. RIP Admiral.

Martin Charters

August 10, 2020

I worked for Admiral Kinnear at NAS, Norfolk, VA and then at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He was a great man to work for, always making people around him feel good about themselves. RIP Admiral.

Rosalee Adams

August 23, 2017

I was privileged to serve under Adm Kinnear when he was CO of NAS Miramar.
A fine officer and a gentleman.
Fair winds and following seas

David Koon

August 26, 2015

George and I were hunting and fishing buddys and he taugth me to drive when
I was 12 yrs old. He was a best friend

Donnie Varn

August 17, 2015

I knew George all of my life. His parents lived across the street from me growing up in Brooksville, Florida. I always considered him family. In fact, I was his first son-in-law. The gifts and lessons he gave me have lasted a lifetime. I'm forever grateful! My condolences to his family, friends and all that knew him. He gave me far more than I could ever give him in return. But, that was typical of the George we all knew and loved. RIP Admiral, I salute you!

Admiral Kinnear promoting me to MS2 at NATO headquarters in 1981

Marty Charters

August 17, 2015

My condolences to the Kinnear family. I knew, adored, and respected Admiral Kinnear, as he was the first gentleman I ever worked for in the navy at COMNAVAIRLANT and NATO headquarters. He was always kind and appreciative of all that was done for him, from ironing his trousers to writing his speeches. It was such an honor to serve with him and to be in his company. He will be greatly missed by many.
Warm regards,
Marty Charters

August 16, 2015

Dear Mary,

Our sincerest condolences on the loss of this fine gentleman.

We shall miss his wisdom and great smile.

Sincerely Andy and Dolly

Chris & Suzanne Palmer

August 16, 2015

Doug, our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

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