Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
GEORGE ALBERT STALTER
GEORGE ALBERT STALTER
Obituary
Guest Book
GEORGE STALTER Obituary
GEORGE ALBERT
On Thursday, June 9, 2016, six weeks after his 65th birthday and being diagnosed with liver cancer, George Albert Stalter passed away peacefully with courage and dignity at his home of 26 years in Scottsdale, AZ. George always had the brightest eyes, the biggest smile with an energized, affectionate nature - he never shied away from lending a helping hand. George is survived by his wife, Patricia (Silver), of 43 years marriage; eldest daughter, Tonya (Aris Bautista) with grandchildren, Sienna, Zachary, Maverick, and daughter, Michelle (Brian Shippert) with grandchildren, Wesley and George; older brother, Ralph, Jr. (Patricia Booth) of NV, and younger siblings, Michael (Becky) of Venetia, PA, Cece of CO, Theresa (Mark) Retzloff of CO, Anita (Ernest "Tap" Tapley) of NM, and Max of Bethel Park, PA. His parents, Ralph and Leona (Zaiden) have passed. George and Patricia established Priceless Legends and, as a Master Builder, George provided "quality customized workmanship and innovative ideas that made people's dreams come true!" His most challenging projects were atop Mount Lemmon in Tucson, AZ, after the Aspen fire in 2003. George was an accomplished musician from a young age, creating and directing the Folk Mass Choir at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Bethel Park, PA, and continuing as a choir member at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Scottsdale. His passion and proficiency in billiards grew over the years qualifying him for the American Poolplayers Association "9-Ball National Championship Tournament" in Las Vegas, NV, in 2013. He continued to enjoy playing with his colleagues and family at the Scottsdale Via Linda Senior Center until a week before his passing. He wrote: "My greatest honor is to know love and serve my Family, Friends, and Fellow Americans. In God we trust!" His last gracious and generous gift was to the Body Donation Program of Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University to further anatomical studies and research for the advancement of medical and surgical techniques and procedures. The family would appreciate memorial contributions and shared stories to be made in George's name via MedGift at https://www.medgift.com/ george-a-stalter. MedGift is the complete resource tool for those facing a health related hardship or need and sharing stories about the loved one. Memorial services are expected to be held in both Scottsdale, AZ, and Pittsburgh, PA at a date yet to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Isham
June 6, 2021
George,
God bless your family, you were a wonderful human, hard working, thoughtful man. You will be missed by so many.
Denise Kuhn
June 12, 2019
Thinking of you and your family today and everyday.
Maureen (Pete O'Rourke) Kraska
March 25, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Stalter family, Patti ,Tonya, Michelle I am so, sorry I just heard of George passing. Growing up as neighbor's of the Stalter's, Max and Fuzz bestfriend's. I used to babysit Tonya and Michelle for a long time when they were little and lived in Pittsburgh. George was the coolest, he was the best, always smiling..God bless
david hergenroeder
December 27, 2017
i am sadden to learn of Georges' passing. i worked with George at Dravo Corp in the mid seventies and shared a love for music as well. have been to his home in Bethel Park several times. he often referred to his home as owning a little acre. Patty my sincere condolences. i know you won;t remember me, but i certainly remember you.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rick Frazier
January 19, 2017
Dear Patty and all he Stalter Family,
I just learned of George's passing and wanted to express my sincere sympathy for your loss. I spent a lot of time at the Stalter house back in the late 60's, hangin in the soul cellar, shootin hoops, and losing to George at pool. I'll always remember that smile, and as others mentioned that generosity. I was in a jam once and George came to the rescue in a way that I know no one else would have done. He will be missed.
Tony Sculimbrene
August 17, 2016
I wonder what Sister Geraldine and Sister Leonida had for George when he arrived at the Pearly Gates of Heaven? He will be missed hare on earth but I know that he will be welcomed by those in Heaven.
David Pratley
August 9, 2016
To Patty and the Stalter family,
Our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of George. I first met him at his Mom's funeral. After reading the obituary I gained a better understanding of George. What a man he was. He always sent me such heart felt e-mails.
Sincerely, David and Joyce Pratley
Barbara Kraus Vankirk
August 6, 2016
Dear Patty:
Denise just told me ... I am so very sorry. Please call me.
To Ralph and all of the Stalters:
I first met George in grade school. Don't remember what grade. But your mom would pick Gearge and me up at St Val's in her Stalters Cab and take us to piano lessons at St Anne's. I loved the cab but hated the lessons. Years later probably 8th grade George and I took the Streetcar to town so that he could show me the morgue. That was an experience.
After grade school We lost touch. George to South Catholic and my girlfriends and I to the public school. Years and years later we all end up in Phoenix and I was able to see all of the Stalters including your mom at the wedding of one of George and Patty's daughters. It rained so hard that day but it was so special to see you all, especially your mom.
It is with great sadness that I type this note. But my memories of George all happy ones. What a guy. Was it my imagination or did he not ever get old.
Dear George: Until we meet again, Keep smiling!
Miriam and Bob Weiser
July 28, 2016
Dear Pat and family:
It was a shock to hear of George's passing; please accept our deepest sympathy . We will always remember him as a happy caring person. I remember how he would get baked goods from the bakery after they closed, and distribute them to the homeless or needy people. He was a blessing to many. May you have comfort in knowing that he is in a restful place as I know he was a man of faith. Kindest regards.
Miriam and Bob Weiser
John Losak
July 19, 2016
Dear Patty and family,
The world will miss the happiness and goodness of George's presence. What a memorable character! Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Tom McPoyle
July 8, 2016
Message from Tom McPoyle,
Ralph:
I was attempting to send a note of condolence to you a few minutes ago. I rested my hand on some key, apparently, and it disappeared. Unsure of just where it went, I am writing again.
And, of course, I wish to express my best to you and your family for the loss of such an irreplaceable individual. George and I had little contact over the past few decades, but I certainly know what a (nice kid) and fine person, he was.
Your heartfelt tribute did much to document these truisms. My best to you and the family, Ralph.
July 6, 2016
I am still in shock over the shortened life of George. I wish I could upload a picture of us going to the snowball either Fontbonne or south catholic- not sure - but the smile in this picture is the same. I remember riding in the stalter cab - what a great, crazy family- my sympathy to all of you. Cecelia - if you're still around, give me a call. I'd like to remember w you 4123373578
Nancy BRUCE harris
Neonei Houlihan Rees
July 1, 2016
I was the babysitter of the 7 Stalter children in the 60s. I could always count on George to be at the center of the chaos. But the big smile and infectious laugh got everybody out of trouble. Some years later, George sang and played at our wedding mass and did a beautiful job. God bless you Stalter family. Please accept my thoughts and sympathy. Love to all
David Zimmerman Lois Thompson
June 30, 2016
George was such a spiritual and caring person, always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed him. We were so fortunate to have his friendship.
No matter what the home remodeling or repair challenge, George would come up with a solution and execute it perfectly.
George's quick wit and engaging personality brightened the world. Knowing him made us better, more caring people. We are grateful for having known him.
SVS Basketball
John Kulha
June 26, 2016
My prayers and condolences to you Patty, your family and to all the Stalter's.
My memories are from the early years, friends attending St. Valentine's school. The name his parents gave to him, George Albert Stalter, affectionately used by his friends as GAS, must have prepared him for life. We both went to Safety Patrol camp together in the summer of 1964, proud leaders in the coming 8th grade year. I couldn't sing a note, but George prodded me on so that when we returned, we (mostly George) could harmonize to a Beatle's song. George convinced me of his football skills by how he could knock me to the ground wearing his complete uniform and then helping right up and wanting to know if I needed more convincing. We played basketball on the St. Val's team; he had to be the fastest dribbler of us all. On that picture, his smile looks the same and the way it lit up his face never changed. His house was always open to his friends. He had his 13th(?) birthday celebration there with many of us, great food and fun, and the entertainment was watching home movies of his dad's military adventures! He (perhaps his mom) invited the whole 8th class to have lunch there on our final class field trip. And I'm sure that there are plenty of Franciscan nuns greeting George now and discussing those times at St. Val's.
We lost touch after high school, so I learned of George's life over those many years by reading his obituary and his brother Ralph's touching and eloquent tribute. I prayed for George this morning at Mass; the words sung by our choir, and for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, echoed those tributes and George's mission in life. Well done George; rest in peace old friend.
Denise Pascuzzi Kuhn
June 25, 2016
Patty, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved, George. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Showing off true patriotism. Isn't this great!!
Jeannie & Jeff Greenblatt
June 21, 2016
George was a great friend & one of best peeps we both knew!
Jeannie & Jeff Greenblatt
June 20, 2016
Charles Brown
June 20, 2016
Dear Patricia: I wish to extend my deepest condolences on the recent news that George has peacefully passed away. On behalf of the friars and entire staff we send you our prayers and thoughts.
Charles Brown
June 20, 2016
Dear Stalter Family,
It is with a very heavy heart I send you our families condolences on the loss of George.
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now.
God bless you,
Patty (Couch) Brickner, Linda (Couch) Walker and Billy Couch
Maria Carvalho
Maria Carvalho
June 19, 2016
I did meet George in my worst time of my life. I can say that he was a generous , friendly and supportive person. Definitely a good friend. We will miss you but we will remember your smile for the rest of our lives. I will see you again in heaven.
Thank you for been my friend.
Maria Carvalho
June 19, 2016
Art Nester
June 19, 2016
Dear Stalter Family,
I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a great friend and customer at my business.
A lot of good memories were created hanging out with him at your home while we growing up. He was always happy and fun to be with. God bless him.
My deepest condolences,
Art Nester (Art Nester Auto Body)
Bethel Park
Art Nester
June 19, 2016
Dear Stalter Family,
I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a great friend and customer at my business. A lot of good memories were created while "hanging out" with him at your home when we were growing up. He was such a happy and fun person to be with. My deepest condolences to each of you. God bless him.
Sincerely,
Art Nester (Art Nester Auto Body)
Bethel Park, PA
Michael Stalter
June 19, 2016
Such a great man and great brother.
marsha kosh
June 19, 2016
Dear Ralph and the Stalter Family
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother.
I worked for your Dad when he was the Coroner. I worked in the hall as one of the receptionists. I'm Marsha Ross Kosh we would always talk when you came in to visit your Dad. Your parents were such lovely people would talk to your Mum also. Your Dad was such a wonderful person to work for. I enjoyed reading your memories of your Brother and seeing a picture of you after all these years.
You and all the Stalter children are in my prayer's. God Bless!
Marsha Ross Kosh
Ft. Myers, Fla.
You and all
Champions, just like George!
Ralph Stalter
June 18, 2016
George with stuffed grape leaves and sisters (L-R, Terry, Anita)
Ralph Stalter
June 18, 2016
Ralph Stalter, Jr.
June 18, 2016
Of all of the "Seven Stalter Siblings", George always had the brightest eyes and the biggest smile. He was definitely at peace, fully cognizant of his daily routine -- and medical situation -- relishing every waking moment, as always!
Ironically, notice came to the family just as our hometown friend, Jeff Jimerson, began to sing the National Anthem (one of George's favorite patriotic songs) before the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game. As the Kenny Loggins' tune goes: Please, celebrate me home, play me one more song, that I'll always remember, I can recall A most fitting sendoff to a loving, caring and generous soul!
George, the second born of the Stalter Seven, easily developed a perky, affectionate nature traits that served him exceedingly well throughout his lifetime. He was perpetually cheery, thoughtful and quite creative, enjoyed solving problems and comfortable being surrounded by people. A born leader with a very engaging nature, he was always looking out for others and was generous to a fault.
At the age of 12, George became a lifeguard (along with me) and began to look out for the safety of others who were not members of his immediate family. But, he was definitely the maverick among the Stalter Seven, destined to be a musician and championship pool player!
Easily adaptable and a quick study, George got on-the-job training in design and home remodeling while still in elementary school. As the family grew, our Bethel Park home required regular room additions. The three oldest siblings were boys, so we became the laborers for these expansion projects (working alongside our paternal grandfather, the electrician (who George is named after).
The recycling lessons came early: straightening nails, cleaning and knocking cement off of old bricks for re-use, even searching for left-over building materials to minimize the cost and time required to successfully complete the job. Our youngest brother, Max, still lives in that red brick house today!
George's next step in the construction trade was becoming certified as a welder upon completing studies at Pittsburgh's Technician Training School run by our Uncle Richard Zaiden, mom's brother. George quickly began to apply his newfound skills on many projects in steel fabrication with Dravo Corporation.
Somehow, even after a pretty full day on our "home renovation projects", George still found time and energy to learn the guitar and become a confident pool player before he finished high school at South Hills Catholic.
His advanced music skills led to becoming creator and director of the first Folk Mass Choir at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Bethel Park, and continued as a member of the choir at St. Patrick's Catholic Community Church in Scottsdale.
Upon finishing high school, George embarked on his first adventure beyond the comforts of our local neighborhood. In August 1969, he joined with over half a million people on a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, NY, for the Woodstock Music & Art Fair where 32 acts (leading and emerging performers of the time) played over the course of four days (August 15-18). Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, the Who, Janis Joplin and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were among the line-up at one of the greatest happenings of all time and, perhaps, the most pivotal moment in music history. At just 18 years of age, George's musical DNA was expanded exponentially and transformed forever!
His passion and proficiency as a pool player grew over the years to the point of qualifying for the American Poolplayers Association 9-Ball National Singles Championship Tournament in Las Vegas, NV, in 2013. He continued to enjoy playing with his colleagues and family at the Via Linda Senior Center until a month before his passing.
Everyone he ever met immediately knew that George had a heart of gold. He once learned that leftover bread was going into the trash every night at the Wild Flower Bread Company, so he began picking up the baked goods at the end of business every day. Then he (and eventually his daughters and a future son-in-law) would deliver three to six gigantic, black plastic bags full of bread, bagels cookies, muffins, etc. by 6AM the next morning to local homeless shelters in South Phoenix. The homeless people began calling him The Bread Man.
In reflecting upon George's life, I came across this definition of the word LIONHEARTED in the Urban Dictionary:
"Constantly challenging one self. Taking every single opportunity without regrets. Learning, developing and seeing beauty in all kinds of moments in life no matter how big/small they may be. Knowing what you're worth, treating yourself like you deserve to be treated. Simply, just being you and being brave. Like a lion you know, fight for what you stand for. A Lionheart would never give up on its dreams."
As if that weren't enough for me, George actually shared a few choice words of his own:
Under Honors & Awards on his LinkedIn profile, he wrote: My greatest honor is to know love and serve my Family, Friends, and Fellow Americans. In God we trust!
In his desk drawer, his youngest daughter, Michelle, found this written on a pad of paper Mission Statement: To seek, trust and glorify God through humble service and continual prayer. To raise up qualified disciples as quickly as possible - so that one day I might hear God say - Well done my good and faithful servant!
I'd have to say, mission accomplished, brother -- with flying colors!
Michael Stalter
June 18, 2016
Love you George. Thanks for a lifetime brother.
Tom Welch
June 18, 2016
A happy and memorable character.t
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in GEORGE STALTER's name
How to support GEORGE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor GEORGE STALTER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
