George Joseph Strimaitis passed away peacefully at his home, in his sleep, at the age of 105. He lived a long, remarkable life filled with accomplishment, love, dedication, and joy. Born on May 12, 1921, in Shenandoah, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Wanda (Zanis) Strimaitis.

George’s family settled in Manchester before he was 10 years old. He completed his education at Howell Cheney Tech and began his working career as a tool and die maker at Pratt & Whitney before serving in the “Seabees” of the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and continued applying his tradecraft in the postwar manufacturing sector at a number of small specialized machine shops in central Connecticut, including one of his own. Along the way his good fortune led him to the love of his life, the late Essie (Graham) Strimaitis. Together, George and Essie shared 66 years of marriage until her passing in 2013. They raised their family in Manchester, first in Essie’s birth-home and later in the 1958 forever home that George designed for them. Summer was filled with weekend day trips to the CT and RI shores and the associated swimming and cookouts with the extended family. Later, they traveled extensively, visiting more than 30 countries and creating a lifetime of cherished memories together. George and Essie danced their way through retirement as enthusiastic members of the Manchester Square Dance Club for more than 20 years, and enjoyed the comradery and competition of the Senior Citizen Duckpin Bowling League.

George was a founding member and one of the oldest members of the Masons Friendship Tuscan Lodge No. 145, an organization with which he remained proudly involved for many years. His long life was marked not only by his many accomplishments, but also by his devotion to his family, his community, and the people and organizations that meant so much to him.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his children, Edward Strimaitis; David Strimaitis and his wife, Janet; and Marcia Papastrat and her husband, Peter; his grandchildren, Sarah Bilello and her husband, Chris, and Anna Grinath and her husband, Josh; his great-grandchildren, Grace and Justin; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, Essie, and his parents, George was predeceased by his siblings, Beatrice, Joseph, Albert, and Aldonna Strimaitis.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040. A Chapel Service will follow at the funeral home at 4:00 PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.