GEORGE ASH SR.

A decorated combat veteran, George served with the 101st Airborne Division as a door gunner during the Vietnam conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star along with numerous other service honors and medals. He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1974 and continued for another 11 years in the Army Reserve, later retiring as a civil servant with the Department of the Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and devoted his life to public service in Weirton and Hancock County.

George’s commitment to his community was long and deep. He served on the Weirton City Council for 30 years, was past president of the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, and served as past president of the Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation. He was one of the founding members, longtime caretakers, and a past president of the Brooke-Hancock Veterans Memorial Park. He was past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 2716 and achieved All American status, one of only 130 people to receive that honor within the organization. In recognition of his service to the city, a street in Weirton bears his name, and he was inducted into both the State of West Virginia Municipal Hall of Fame and the City of Weirton Hall of Fame.

A devoted member of numerous fraternal and faith organizations, George belonged to Wheeling Lodge No. 9 Oddfellows, the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, New Cumberland Lodge No. 22, and St. Paul’s Church. He was proud to have been a friend of Bill W. for 52 years. George’s life was defined by duty, leadership, and an unwavering care for veterans and neighbors alike.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Rolly Ash, along with his ever-faithful cat, Coco-Pinky, of 17 years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dalmara; his children, George (Kristina) and Renee; his grandchildren, Jaci, Joey, George, and Alexandra; and his siblings Sharon Pontrello of New York, Cathy Ferrari of Kentucky, Gary Ash of Pennsylvania, and Mike Marino of West Virginia. Memorial arrangements are private in accordance with George’s wishes. Those who wish to honor his memory may consider supporting local veterans’ organizations or the Brooke- Hancock Veterans Memorial Park.

A private graveside service was held in the Guernsey County Memorial Gardens in Cambridge, OH.

Full military honors were conducted by the Army Honor Guard and the Guernsey County Memorial Gardens Veterans Council.

Arrangements by the Mullenbach Funeral Home 669 Main St. Follansbee, WV.

Condolences may be sent to: www.mullenbachfh.com