Frederick J. George

Frederick Johnston George, Jr., a deeply loved dad, grandpa, brother, friend and coach, passed away on April 20, 2026, at age 84.

Born on November 7, 1941 to Frederick and Velma George in Cleveland, Ohio, Fred graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1959 and John Carroll University in 1964, where he played basketball. He received his Master’s in Administration from Cleveland State University in 1973.

Fred taught and coached at West Tech High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he met his wife of 56 years, Carol. After winning the Basketball City Championship title and being named Cleveland Area Coach of the Year in 1978-1979, Fred was awarded the Key to the City of Cleveland by Mayor Kucinich. He continued his teaching and coaching career at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio until he retired after 30 years. He was named Metro Coach of the Year in 1982, 1986 and 1990 and is ranked among the all-time leaders in high school boys basketball coaching wins in Portage County history. Fred dedicated much of his time to helping kids, from organizing camps, giving rides to those without them, and pursuing college basketball scholarships on their behalf. His players knew he cared as many came to visit long after his retirement.

Beyond coaching, Fred loved to golf and watch football, college basketball, the Cleveland Cavs, Indians and Browns, and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Fred is survived by his sons Steve (Yolande) and Scott (Ashley); daughter Melanie (David); and grandchildren Emma, Charlie, Jordan (Shae), Madison (Gaby), Maddie, Emery, Max, Marshall and Maggie; brothers Tom, John (Jinni), Pat (Ann) and Tim (Lynne); sister Kathy (Jim); sister-in-law Joan; many nieces and nephews and one great-grandson, Elliot.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Regina George, who passed away on March 10, 2022.

Calling hours will be held on FRIDAY, May 8, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on SATURDAY, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. William Kraynak as Celebrant. A private burial will take place at Standing Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Fred’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research at https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/42.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.