Ronald N. De George

Ronnie De George was born on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948 at 4:44 pm in New York City. His mother Ethel Andry De George and father Charles De George called him their Easter bunny. 

He died on April 19, 2023 at 2:41 am after waging a courageous battle against a difficult disease he fought for almost one year. His wife of 49 years, Barbara Vazzana De George was by his side and holding his hand. They met 50 years ago on May 9, 1973.

Ronnie was raised in Inwood, a neighborhood of Manhattan. His family owned a Boat House on the Hudson River at Dyckman Street called De George’s Boat Club or Weowna Yacht Club.  This is where his love of the water began, and continued throughout his life.

Ronnie was a US Army Veteran, serving his country proudly and honorably for two tours of duty in Viet Nam from 1966-1969.  He was an engineer, baker, infantryman and a door gunner on a helicopter.  He was a retired IBEW, Local 3 electrician in NYC and the five Boroughs for 37 years.  He worked on some of the major projects and skyscrapers in the city.  He was so proud that what he wired would “last for 100 years.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Charles, and his beloved mother in law, Celeste Pizzani Vazzana.  Their special relationship anchored his life.  They thoroughly enjoyed swing dancing and playing the slots once a month. He was with her  holding her hand when she died.

Besides his loving wife, Barbara, he is also survived by his niece, Bridget Cardillo Degnan who is like a daughter to him and her husband Kevin, his two grandsons, Brendan Degnan and Ryan Degnan, his brother, Donald De George and his wife Mary, his in-laws, Celeste and Dan Johnson, Francine and Ron Schornstein, Dr. Suzanne Vazzana and Randy Armstrong, Veronica and John Cardillo (predeceased) and his stepfather Patrick Carpentieri (predeceased) and many nieces and nephews, Lisa, Brian, Sarah, Michael, Rachel,  Matthew, Joshua, Justin, Joseph, and Frankie (predeceased), great nieces and nephews, Brynn, Cal, Nathanial, Alex, Allison and Avery. He had countless and long lasting friendships.

Ronnie loved celebrating life. He was an avid boater and fisherman.  He not only caught fish off the coast of Freeport, but cleaned and cooked them like a Master Chef. He enjoyed boating on the Hudson River and was a lifetime member of the New Hamburg Yacht Club. Ronnie was a fun loving guy.  He was kind, and generous. He had a heart of gold. He was honest and you always knew what he thought.  If he saw or felt something he didn’t like, he said it. There will never be another Ronnie De George. We have many loving and fun memories to forever cherish in our hearts. He will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 5, 2023 between 4-8pm at: Yannantuono, Burr Davis, Sharpe Funeral Home,  584 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10552    914-699-4010

Private burial on May 6, 2023 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Ronnie’s name to:

Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, 114 W. 4th Street, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550

Make checks to Greater Centennial AME Zion Church and put FOOD PANTRY in the memo. Or  make checks to:  Fisher House Foundation, Inc, Westchester/Putnam Retirees, 200 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605

Fisher House is an A+ Rated Military Charity supporting all Veterans and their families. 

These are Ronnie’s favorite charities.

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