George Frederic Arp

GEORGE FREDERIC ARP George Frederic Arp, 82, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2007. He was in his home in Stuart, Florida surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 27, 1925 in Stuttgart Germany. At the age of five he immigrated to Rochester, New York with his parents and sister where he spent his childhood and adult life. Just after HighSchool he met his life long sweetheart Joan Schwartz. George served our country in the US Navy during World War II aboard a Destroyer in the South Pacific. When he returned, George and Joan married August 16, 1947 and have recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Together they raised a family of five and have loved and cared for each other for well over a half a century. During George's lifetime he was an innovator and an inventor. He worked as a block mason building houses and swimming pools. He became a plastics engineer and invented items for the swimming pool industry including the "GIZZMO", a pool product that became an industry standard throughout North America. Later, as a plastics consultant he helped develop many products which are still in production today. While raising his family he built a 32' catamaran. He enjoyed sailing and spending time on the water with his wife and children. He also enjoyed the thrill of speed when sailing ice boats on hard water. As a young man George loved to ice skate with his sweetie Joan. By his middle years he had become proficient at both nordic and alpine skiing. His interest in art and culture lead to their extensive travels to Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and Asia. George had an affinity for abstract art and ran his own art gallery, the GEORGE FREDERIC gallery, in Rochester, NY. He fostered artistic thinking and creative solutions in all his relationships and endeavors. Formula One racing and football became his favorite spectator sports. In retirement he was able to get a taste of racing technology while driving his Honda NSX for several years. Always one to share the fun, George could frequently be seen offering the driver's seat to another enthusiast. Throughout his retirement in Florida he continued to learn and explore by polishing up on his dance steps and local history. George's love of engineering and boats stuck with him to the end. In the last few years before his death, George spent his sedentary time inventing patterns which could be printed on paper and then folded to create intricate shapes. He leaves behind a stunningly complex fleet of model boats and amusing 3- D creations made entirely of paper. George Arp set a high mark for himself and lived his values. As a husband, as a father, and as a friend he lead and supported others through his own actions and choices. We love him and will miss him. George Arp is survived by his loving wife Joan Arp; five children and their spouses: George Arp of Tequesta FL ., Karen Arp-Sandel and her husband Jeff of Canaan, NY. , Mary Arp and her husband Lars of Albany OR. , Christopher Arp of Bridgewater, NJ., and Andrew Arp and his wife Liz of Burlington, VT.. In addition George is survived by five grandchildren: Molly and Julian Arp-Sandel, Christopher Arp, Brendan Arp and Jett Arp; a cousin, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law. A Celebration of Life in memory of George will be held in the future. Per the Family's request, in lieu of floral tributes, contributions may be made in George Arp's memory to the following: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Research, Prostate Cancer Research or Treasure Coast Hospices Stuart, Florida, 34997.