George W. Kralick

George W. Kralick passed away, surrounded by his family, on June 10th, 2022.

George was born, the youngest of eight children, on October 19, 1934 in Rossiter, Pennsylvania, to Louis A. and Mary (Krupa) Krolick. He spent his youth in Clymer, Pennsylvania, graduating from Clymer High School in 1952 and then following his siblings to Niagara Falls, NY. Later in 1952, George enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served as a member of the 2nd Armored Division, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Baumholder, Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he married the former late Joan Bird and started a family.

George worked for Hooker Chemical, later the Occidental Chemical Company for over 40 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1996. An avid sportsman and naturalist, he spent many happy days at his hunting camp with his family in the Southern Tier hunting large game, fishing, and leading hikes with his children through the woods as they stalked salamanders and chipmunks.

George was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins, never missing a game or a chance to discuss their exploits. He could be found most weekends watching his teams with his children and grandchildren or traveling on excursions to take in the action firsthand. He would often recount how the early Dolphins team kept an actual Dolphin as a mascot who would celebrate a scoring play by tail kicking a field goal through a small goal post. George delighted in cheering on his favorite Dolphin, fellow Western Pennsylvania native, Dan Marino, and he never missed a chance to boast about the greatest Yankee ever, Micky Mantle. 

Later in life, George became a fixture at the John Duke Senior Center, helping to organize events and socializing with his many friends. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and served as a Post Commander of American Legion Post #1451. A devout Catholic, George served as head usher at Prince of Peace Church for many years.

George is survived by his daughters, Colene (Dean) Melson and Jacalyn (Mark) Kilmer; sister, Margaret Hahn; nine grandchildren, Jayme (Matthew) Mahaney, Amanda Kralick, Michael Kralick, Nicholas A. (Nicole) Melson, Rachael E. (Michael) Long, Kristopher D. (Jill) Melson, Leah C. Melson, Charlie Bifano, Samantha (Michael) Fadel, as well as twelve great-grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews. Besides his parents and his former wife, he was predeceased by his two sons, Thomas and Michael; his brothers, Joseph, Andrew, John, Louis and Michael and his sister Mary. 

George graciously donated his body to the University at Buffalo (Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) Anatomical Gift Program.  The family will be present on Saturday, June 18th, from 12-2 p.m. at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007), where George’s memorial service and life celebration, concluding with military honors, will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Mario Racho officiating.  Professional arrangements are under the care of the Goodlander family.  Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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