Robert George

Robert "Bob" George, 68, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 19, 2025. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 5, 1956, Bob was raised in Fairborn, Ohio, and graduated from Fairborn Baker High School in 1975. After high school, he proudly served his country as a Photographer's Mate in the United States Navy aboard the USS Blue Ridge from 1975 to 1979, receiving an honorable discharge. Following his service, Bob moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in the Pittsburgh Art Institute and earned his associate's degree. It was there that he met his future wife, Jill Fickey. Though they separated in the 1990's, Bob and Jill remained close friends until her death in 2023. Bob worked in the photographic industry for 43 years, primarily as a photographer and Manager at the Pittsburgh Custom Darkroom on the Northside. His work spanned hundreds of weddings and many iconic moments, including photographing several Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins events, serving as the official photographer for Zambelli Fireworks Co. for many years, and capturing legendary concerts such as The Grateful Dead, U2, and Michael Jackson. Music was a lifelong passion for Bob. In high school, he was a proud member of the A Cappella Choir and The Choraliers. Later, Bob's love for music carried on through his regular karaoke nights at Jerrys 1888 on the North Side, where he could belt out a mean Stevie Ray Vaughan song or a heartfelt John Lennon ballad. He was so affable that a friend once likened him to "Norm on Cheers," as he was always greeted warmly by everyone in the pub. Bob retired from the Pittsburgh Custom Darkroom in 2018, but his love for photography remained strong. Though a stroke in 2019 presented challenges, Bob fought to regain as much of his independence as possible. After retirement, Bob found a large extended family in places he liked to go with his nephew, Brian, including Lincoln's P & G Diner in Millvale, the Rochester Inn Hardwood Grille in the North Hills, and Gino's Bros. in Sharpsburg. He knew everyone's name, and everyone knew him - he truly felt like a member of the family. Unfortunately, over the last year, his health began to decline. In September 2024, Bob was admitted to the Southwestern Veterans' Center in Highland Park, where he found a renewed sense of community and friendship. Among the residents, nurses, and staff, Bob made many lasting connections in his final months. He felt fortunate to be surrounded by fellow Veterans and was grateful for the care he received during his time there. Bob is survived by his sister, Rebecca Greenwood; his brother, Andy George; his nephew, Brian Heuchert; his niece, Arielle Pagart; and many cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Stanley L. George, his mother Gisela (Peggy) M. Egenmaier/Lesker, and his brother, Geary L. George. A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer of this year in Pittsburgh – details will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Southwestern Veterans' Center, Attn. Accounting, 7060 Highland Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. It was a good life. He was a genuinely good guy and will be sorely missed. Professional services entrusted to D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 4522 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15201; www.dalessandroltd.com.

Robert George

December 5, 1956 - February 19, 2025