FORT MILL, SC – George Konoval was born on February 7th, 1933. An only child of Anna Konoval, George, his mom and Grandmother (Babba), lived in Butler, Pennsylvania. While attending Butler High School, George played the tuba in the marching band and often told stories about how they didn't have enough money for a baseball so would use rubber bands wrapped together until it got big enough to throw. Even with these humble beginnings, George excelled in all aspects of his life. Upon graduation, he was accepted to Carnegie Tech, in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to a rigorous academic schedule, George was a member of Delta Tau Delta and a social member of Phi Kappa. He played intramural sports and during his senior year was the drum major for Carnegie Tech's marching band.

George graduated in 1955 with a Metallurgical Engineering degree and would soon accept a job that was to become his career with United States Steel. Carnegie Tech was also the place where George met what was to become his best friend and wife of 61 years, Joyce Bernini. They dated off and on while Joyce was finishing her degree after transferring from Grove City to Carnegie Tech. George would often find Joyce dancing and enjoying the life of socials and fraternity parties. His perseverance won out, and on November 21st, 1959, they were married at a Chapel in St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh on 5th Avenue with 125 guests in attendance. The reception was at the Turnway Inn in Monroeville, PA. They casually decided to "try marriage" saying to each other – "if it doesn't work out, we'll figure it out". Their love for each other carried them through 61 years together.

George and Joyce would have three children together and while both came from modest backgrounds, they provided their family with everything they could ever have wanted. George lost his wife and best friend on April 14th, 2020.

George's career with United States Steel would span 31 years. During this time, he would rise to the position of District Manager, Technical Service and would service customers all over the country and major parts of the world. George and Joyce also enjoyed extensive travel with his career throughout Europe and South America. Together they loved experiencing London, Paris, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Milan, Rome, Buenos Aires Caracas, San Paolo, and Rio De Janeiro, just to name a few.

His career would provide his family with beautiful homes and experiences in Monroeville, PA, Louisville, KY, Bradford Hills, PA, Rochester Hills, MI., and Upper St. Clair, PA. After taking the family to Hilton Head Island, SC for their vacations, they decided to purchase their retirement home on Hilton Head after retiring from USS in 1986. Here their youngest, Jennifer, would finish her high school years while George continued as a consultant for Inland Steel for 13 years (from 1986-1999). After owning homes in Hilton Head Plantation and then in Bluton, SC, in Rose Hill, George and Joyce decided to relocate closer to Jennifer and her family and purchased what would be their last home together in Fort Mill, SC.

George proudly served our country from 1954 to 1964. He joined the Pennsylvania Army Reserve as a supply officer and became a First Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 1964. One of the highlights of this past year was attending the annual Veteran's Honor Flight. He was chosen from a pool of applicants to travel to Washington DC. Accompanied by his dear friend Deborah Rotola and Veteran counterparts from his apartment complex, they spent the day touring Presidential memorials, the Vietnam Memorial, the WWII Memorial, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington Cemetery. They returned home to thousands of civilians lining the terminal of the airport waving flags, cheering them home, and celebrating their service. He shared this was a life-changing experience he would never forget.

George's legacy and impact in this world was many. A brilliant mind right up until the end, he loved engaging in deep and academic conversations about almost anything. He was sharp and truly brilliant in literally all areas of life. He was a wonderful storyteller. He would remember every detail of his USS experiences and would bring to life with intimate details the international excursions, dinners, and wine that he and Joyce had. He loved his Western movies (as Mom would say – those shows he watches where everyone is dead) and watching Fox news. He had a love and deep appreciation for music. His album and CD collection was diverse and extensive. His grandchildren would perform to "There's no Business Like Show Business", in Grandma's wedding dress, and antique hats and canes. He loved attending all musical and dance performances, and his passion for classical music was a major comfort in his final days.

His constant companion until this year was his King Charles Cavalier, Miss Caroline, who stayed by his side until passing away this past year. George's love and pride for his children and grandchildren was strong. George is survived by three children: Linda Strickler (Newburyport, MA), George Konoval (Prineville, OR), and Jennifer Eason (Matthews, NC). Boompa, as his precious grandchildren would refer to him, is survived by eight grandchildren. Lauren and Sloan Strickler, McKenzie and Dalton Eason, Haley and George Konoval, and Riley and Greta Fast.

George Konoval taught his children so many things in life, in words and by example. He instilled in his children a love for education, and a sense of pride, honor, dignity and decency. He also taught by example that one should appreciate the life they have been given and try to enjoy every minute of it, by sharing life's beauty in celebration with friends and family.

After major back surgery on November 27th, George passed away on Tuesday morning, December 3rd, 2024, while recovering in the hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. George was 91 years old.

George came from humble beginnings but gave us and this life all that he had. He will always be remembered and will always be missed.

Rest in peace Dad and Boompa. "Bye for now".