George Vendura Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
"George from the Bronx," his storytelling moniker, was born in the Bronx on February 8, 1948, as the son of the late George and Rita (Cutrone) Vendura.
He was immensely proud to be a Jesuit-educated graduate of Fordham Preparatory School. Ambitious educational endeavors lead him to eventually earn his doctorate in Physics from Penn State University. He has 43 publications in various technical journals and secured six patents. His solar cell inventions had enabled NASA-JPL's Sojourner, the first exploratory robotic vehicle on the surface of Mars.
Despite his scientific achievements, many people today know him as "George from the Bronx," whose creativity, sense of humor and ability to relate to people has made him so many friends. He has brought laughter to crowds including his appearances in local storytelling productions, the Moth venues, and in a televised PBS "Stories from the Stage." At the time of his death, he was working to have several books published: "Bronxcapades" (stories of his childhood growing up in the Bronx), "State Penn" (a novel), 3 books of poetry, and multiple short stories.
And few people are aware of his love and work in the classic arts of sculpture, painting, and sketching as well as photography.
George wasted no time in his precious life.
In addition to his wife, George is survived by siblings: Nancy Vendura, Larry (Lina) Vendura, and Rita (Paul) Cortese, plus many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Tuesday, June 17th from 5 to 8 pm at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. George's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 18th at 10:30 am in St. Irene Parish, 181 East Street, Carlisle. To attend the Mass remotely, please click here to view the church live stream.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to Fordham Prep, Attn: EDC, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458-5121 or online at www.fordhamprep.org/giving/donate-now
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
WILLIAM Theodore SHEPARD
June 16, 2025
"Dear George"
I remember meeting you almost 64 years ago at Fordham Prep.
However, my fondest memory of you is when you asked me to "assist" you in writing your Dear George column. I recall sitting next to you laughing hysterically and reviewing your articles to be submitted. I still do not know how some of them were published. Your sarcasm and sharp wit helped me get through senior year.
Goodbye my friend. See you on the other side.
Bill Shepard
Mike Magee
June 16, 2025
Dear Jeannie,
Trish and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Since your visit here in West Hartford, we've spoken often about the combination of strength, and brillance and humor and joy that you two displayed over lunch that day. Did I mention patience, because that was certainly front and center as you did your best to explain nuclear physics to me. Most of all, we could see your love and respect for each other. George's love of life, good humor and determination were infectious. And we (along with many, many others, will miss him dearly. We send blessings and love, and hopes for a quick recovery. Much love!
Trish and Mike Magee
PS. I thought you might enjoy these photos from 1965 at the Prep. George and I were in the same homeroom - senior D.
Theresa and Family
June 9, 2025
Thinking of you Jeannie, with love, during this time of sorrow.
George had a personality that could light up a room. Whether he was working on technical reviews or entertaining, George was never one to be idle. I will miss the energy that George brought to our family gatherings, the delicious pizzas that he would prepare (always taking the orders for what everyone specifically wanted on their pizza), and the opportunities he would take to make people smile.
George is now livening up the crowd in Heaven, telling stories and prompting laughter.
Rest in Peace George.
Love,
Theresa, Mike, and Family
Janice Briganti
June 9, 2025
George was without a doubt, a quirky, unique, generous soul. He loved sharing his ideas and stories with anyone who would listen. I am forever grateful that he and his beautiful wife Jeannie opened their home to me and Rita in California on two separate occasions. We shared many memorable adventures together. When we borrowed their Volkswagen bus, we had to remember to park on a hill in order to roll with momentum in order to get it started. He left an impression on all he met. May God bless him and look over him always.
How you can show support
Jane Heckett Pullis
June 9, 2025
Dear Jeannie,
It is with great sadness we send our thoughts & prayers
Much Love, David, Jane & Heather
Steven and Regina Boldish
June 9, 2025
Jeannie We are shocked! Both of us are so sorry for your loss. Steve is beside himself and doesn´t know how to express his grief and the deep leve l of sorrow. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We will make a donation to Fordham in his name. We will pray for you in your time of grief and loneliness.
Mary Ann Cavanagh
June 7, 2025
George Vendura was larger than life. I loved going to the Carlisle Transfer Station with him. We had a blast! Life is precious life is short.
Mary Ann Cavanagh
June 7, 2025
I met George about 20 years ago in a municipal meeting in Carlise. A developer wanted to build 40b housing in Billerica and Carlisle. It did not happen. We remained friends with George and his dear wife Jeannie over the years. Just recently we had them over for Easter. My family is just heart broken. He was loved!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA 01742
Make a Donation
in George Vendura's name
People and places connected with George
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
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 Vendura'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
