George E Kettlewell

George Edward Kettlewell
George Edward Kettlewell, 101, quietly passed away early on October 6th after a long and remarkable life, well lived and well loved.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 4th, 1911, and had lived in the Los Angeles area, as well as the New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas before settling in Akron in 1946.
After several years in advertising with the Sears Mail Order Division in Chicago, he lived a short time in Whittier and Pasadena, California. Returning to the Chicago area, he was in Operations with Wards Mail Order Division in Chicago and New York and was Production Superintendent in Baltimore. He was commissioned in the Army in 1942, and was a Plans and Policies Captain in the Office of the Quartermaster General for over three years where he was awarded the Legion of Merit.
After World War II, he joined the Nobil Shoe Company as Operations Manager of a growing chain of 250 retail stores and departments in 14 states, headquartered in Akron. He was President, Chairman, and CEO when he retired after 30 years with the company. He was a director of the parent company, the McDonough Company of Parkersburg, West Virginia.
As a civic volunteer for over 50 years, he was a former President of the United Community Council, Chairman of the Summit County Board of Mental Retardation, and member of the Board of Mental Health, Tarry House and Community Support Services. Acknowledging his distinguished service, he received the Akron Community Service Center and Peter Bommarito Community Service Awards from the Akron Labor Council, and the annual United Way award. In more recent years, he was a Board member of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, President of the Kames Condominium Association board, and President of the Miller Foundation.
Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Mary Elizabeth; and son, Neil; he is survived by his daughter, Kim Peterson (Richard); son, George (Kersti); son, David; grandchildren, Brant Regnar Kettlewell, Bob Armington, and Lily Armington; great grandchildren, Shally and Carson Kettlewell; and dear friend and companion, Mary Jane Stanchina. Very special thanks to his devoted caregiver, Jane Adya, who took such wonderful care of George, making his days brighter as well as helping the family through this difficult time. We also wish to thank Hospice of Summa for their caring assistance.
Friends may call at the Billow FALLS Chapel, 1907 23rd Street, on Wednesday, October 9th from 5-8 p.m.. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 10th, in the Chapel of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, (corner of W. Market St. and Kenilworth Drive), Rev. Amjad Samuel officiating. Private interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. If desired, memorials may be made to Akron Children's Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron 44308 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron 44313. (Billow FALLS Chapel)