George William Flower

George William “Bill” Flower, 87, was born and raised in Akron and died in Tallmadge on March 17, 2024.

Bill was the second of two sons born to Frances Malcom Flower and Margaret Fulton Flower, whose families have deep roots in Akron and Woodsfield, Ohio. Bill attended Akron Public Schools and met Jean Barzellon, his future wife, at Jennings Junior High School. Bill was an exceptional student and athlete. He participated in basketball and track at North High School (graduated January 1955), and he was a member of the mile relay team that competed at the 1954 state track and field championships. Bill’s college career was almost sidetracked by a short stint in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at the University of Akron, but he persevered and earned his degree in electrical engineering in 1960.

Bill and Jean married in 1959. While they lived in Massachusetts, New York, and Arizona for his work, they welcomed daughters Nancy and Susan. In 1963, at the urging of Jean’s parents Archie and Grace Barzellon, they returned home and settled in Tallmadge. They welcomed their son Thomas shortly thereafter. Bill worked diligently and reliably as an engineer for more than 40 years. The signs on the building changed from Goodyear Aerospace, to Loral, to Lockheed-Martin, but his place at his desk remained constant. He retired in 2003. Always a devoted father, Bill participated in his children’s activities and kept the family cars, home, and lawn equipment well-tuned. He was a member of the Lighter Than Air Society, and he and Jean took a ride in the Goodyear blimp after his retirement. Bill especially enjoyed reading about history and science, exploring his family’s genealogy, and spending time with his six grandchildren. His grandchildren looked forward to making fudge with him every Christmas.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and daughter, Nancy Flower, both of whom he lovingly cared for while they were sick, and brother-in-law George Uber.

He is survived by his daughter Susan (Rob) McCarty; son Tom (Caterina) Flower; grandchildren Colleen, Caroline, and Kevin McCarty; Natalie, Jessica, and Alex Flower; brother Robert (Cathy) Flower; sister-in-law Geri Uber; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and his friendly neighbor Jennie.

All are welcome to visit with the family on Sunday, March 24, 2024, between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Avenue, on the Historic Tallmadge Circle.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Avenue, Tallmadge. Father Michael Matusz will officiate.

If you are unable to celebrate Bill’s life in person, please join virtually by a live stream of the Funeral Mass through Our Lady of Victory’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/.

You are also welcome to join the family for interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, after Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to your favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George William Flower, please visit our floral store.