George Joseph Schelcher

SCHELCHER, George Joseph

Mar. 28, 1911-
Dec. 10, 2005
George J. Schelcher, 94, a member of a Sacramento family spanning five generations, died on December 10th. He had lived in Sacramento his entire life. George was born March 29, 1911. His father was a rancher and managed STURGES CONSUMER'S SALES COMPANY. George spent much of his childhood on the family ranch located off Sacramento Boulevard. George was a 1928 graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory in Santa Clara, CA and he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University in 1932. After graduation from Santa Clara, he was appointed University Registrar and he served in that capacity until 1937. When George's father passed away in 1937, he came home to manage the family business and accepted a management position with the California Department of Employment. In 1942, he was appointed to head the State of California Farm Bureau Office to oversee the Bracero Program with responsibilities for transportation, board and housing facilities for thousands of laborers hired by farmers to plant and harvest crops. He held this post until 1950. He was appointed Executive Director of the Sacramento County Community Chest (precursor to United Way) in 1950. In 1960, George accepted the position of manager of Continental Heller which built many of Sacramento's high rise State buildings, Nut Tree expansion and high rise apartment building at 4100 Folsom Boulevard. The company was an early proponent of cast "tilt up" construction and operated one of the early pre-cast yards in Northern California. George later became General Manager for the Stop and Shop grocery store chain and oversaw the expansion of the food chain to include the first large sale Food Court in Northern California. He also held management positions with several architectural firms and was responsible for the overall business management of construction projects encompassing several commercial bank and office buildings in the area. One of the notable projects was the total remodel of the San Francisco Airport. George lived in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento. He is survived by his daughter, Marie Louise Yates of Sacramento and son, George J. Schelcher of Pebble Beach. His Grandchildren include Randy Boyd, Marie Louise Colby, Felecia Allmendinger, Erin Schelcher, Grant Schelcher and Michael Schelcher. He also has 5 great grandchildren. George was predeceased by his wife Thelma I. Schelcher and daughter, Ilene Schelcher. A Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church at 11:00am on Friday, 12/16/2005. Interment private. Arrangements by W.F. Gormley & Sons.