George Irvin Knowles

George Irvin Knowles, 92, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, died 19 April 2023 peacefully at home.  Born 19 March 1931 in Scranton PA, son of the late Irving F. and Martha Marietta (Gowe) Knowles, he spent his early life in Glenburn, PA and Clarks Summit, PA.  

George was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Clarks Summit High School.  In June 1953 he graduated from Syracuse University with a B.S in Business Administration. Following college he attended Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI, and was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy in January 1954.  He and his wife, Jeanne M. (McMullan) Knowles were married on June 12, 1954, and relocated many times over the years.

George received an M.S. International Affairs from George Washington University in 1970 and attained the rank of Captain, USN, in 1972.  After 30 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Navy and began working as Director of Marketing and Security at AMSEA in Quincy, MA.  He and Jeanne lived in Scituate, MA, until his retirement in 1992.  More than anything George enjoyed spending time with his large family and playing the piano.

George was a past President of the Sons of the American Revolution, St. Augustine Chapter; a member of the Mayflower Society; a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart, having been wounded in the Vietnam War in 1968-69; a singer with The Big Orange Barbershop Chorus and The Silver Edition Quartet.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter Mary S. (Michael) Montgomery, Neptune Beach, FL; son G. Michael (Peggy) Jacksonville Beach, FL; daughter Patricia A. (Anthony) Fidrych, Port Royal, SC; son Timothy (Barbara), Danbury, CT; daughter Catherine (Seamus) O’Brien, Boston, MA; daughter Elizabeth (Raye) LaPlante, Rockland, MA.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A Committal Service will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to The Military Order of the Purple Heart.