George Burpo

George Burpo passed peacefully into Gods hands on December 20, 2015. Husband of his beloved deceased wife, Nancy, for 56 years; father of son, Rob of Albuquerque, New Mexico; granddaughter of Jennifer and grandson, Greg also of Albuquerque. George was born June 19, 1922 in Jenkins, Kentucky. He attended grade school in Pikeville, KY and high school in Jenkins where he played on the football team and was also in the school band. George began a career of professional baseball while still in high school by signing his first contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization in 1939. He was sent to Muskogee, Oklahoma that year. Other teams he played for were the Tucson Cowboys, where he pitched the first no hit game at High Corbett field in 1941, the Columbia, So. Carolina Reds, the Birmingham, Alabama Barons, the Syracuse Chiefs in addition to half a season with the parent Cincinnati Redleg club in 1946. His baseball career was interrupted by serving three years in the United States Navy in the second World War and received an honorable discharge in December, 1945. He recently was honored with the World War 11 Medallion. After retiring from baseball because of injuries, he spent five years with the J.C. Penny company before finishing a 32 year career with the world's largest manufacturer of business forms (MOORE), beginning in sales, supervision, and as District Manager in Tucson, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Tucson when he retired in 1985. George and wife, Nancy, served as Junior High advisors at Valley Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, where George also served as an elder in that church. While in Albuquerque, was active in church work at Immanuel Presbyterian Church including three years as an elder; George and Nancy joined the Desert Skies United Methodist Church in 1998. George has been a member of Rotary clubs in Phoenix, Albuquerque and Tucson, serving as club president in the Catalina (Tucson) Rotary club in 1982-83. He loved all sports, especially baseball, football and basketball at the University of Arizona where he was a member of the Wildcat Club for many years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Desert Skies United Methodist Church or the Catalina (Tucson) Rotary Foundation through Kathy Ramert, Club Treasurer at 7314 N. Casablanca Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85704. Burial Services will be private. Memorial Service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Candance Lansberry at Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Rd. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd.