Obituary of George Consolazio

George A. Consolazio, retired Director of Research and Development at Atlantic Gelatin, passed away after an extended struggle with Lymphoma early Tuesday morning, July 24, 2012. He was 92 years old. George was born in Cambridge, the son of Italian immigrants, the late Michael and Lucia Consolazio. He grew up in East Cambridge and was a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin. He then spent 3 years at Northeastern University studying chemistry. He put his education on hold to serve in the Army at the beginning of WW II. When the war was over he finished his degree from Northeastern University. He had a sharp mind and was a great motivator and leader and rose from a Private First Class to a First Lieutenant. He was stationed in General MacArthur’s Headquarters at Manila, Philippines, where he directly supervised 300 officers and enlisted men and was responsible for maintaining cryptographic security and keeping the lines of communication flowing between the allied forces. The position was exciting and vital to the war effort. Routinely top secret correspondence for General MacArthur or one of the other Generals was received and deciphered within George’s unit. At the end of the war and peace negotiations, he had served four and half years for his country and was the recipient of the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal. He served in battles in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon. He lived the war, which most others only read about in history books or see in movies, and documentaries. He was extremely proud of his military service and continued his support for the US Armed Services thru his involvement in the Disabled American Veterans Organization, volunteering at the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital, and caring for the graves of departed veterans in Burlington. He worked for almost 30 years at Atlantic Gelatin in Woburn as the Director of Research and Development. He holds 4 patents and retired in 1984. George believed in giving of oneself to the community. He was an active member of the Sons of Italy, The Burlington D.A.V., Burlington Knights of Columbus, Middlesex Deputy Sherriff’s Association, and the Italian American Police Association. At home and in his leisure time, George was an avid reader. He was an amazing cook and baker. He was an excellent writer and often wrote articles for the Sons of Italy. He enjoyed gardening, and his home and yard were always impeccably maintained. He was blessed to have had a wonderful wife who was always at his side, 3 loving children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was an admirable role model for all his family and lived a life worth emulating. George was the beloved husband of 65 years of Helen J. (Christopher). He was the loving father of Diane Gates & her husband Ernie of Middleton, Michael & his wife Gail of Winchester, and Barbara Gianfrancesco & her husband Frank of Montgomery Village, MD. He was predeceased by his siblings; Josephine Langone, Anne, Bill, Frank, Mayo, and Gug Consolazio. He was the proud grandfather of Marisa, Michelle, & Michael Consolazio, David Rosenberg, Gia Cyrier, and John, Matthew, & Paul Gianfrancesco and great grandfather of Natalia, Brenna, & Sierrsha. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, July 27 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Memorials in George’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 or Visiting Nurse Association of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880, www.vnaofme.org.