George Daniel Lino

George D. Lino, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis, three children: Brian (Julie) Lino, Shalene (Scott) Germani, and Brooke (Shaun) Davis as well as his sister, Colette (Jim) MacDonald. He had five loving grandchildren: Anthony (Alisha), Jamie, and Troy Lino, Drew and Reed Davis, and one great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Lino. George was preceded in death by his parents, George Dominic and Catherine Agnes (Murphy) Lino, and his niece, Cathy Sue Branum.

George was born in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in Canyon City. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1955, serving for 3 years on the USS Diamond Head. Upon honorable discharge, he then enlisted in the US Army in 1958, serving his country for an additional 3 years. George’s proudest memories were of his many jumps as a paratrooper – “Just say airborne!” and “Tuck and roll!” were phrases his kids heard anytime they faced life’s challenges.

George’s experience in the service played a very important role in his life, igniting a love for travel and meeting people. If you knew George, you know he never met a stranger. Once you had looked him in the eye and shaken his hand, you were always referred to as “my good friend, so-and-so.” He made it a point to stay in touch with many of those good friends over the years and especially enjoyed reunions with his veteran and high school friends. Though he was not one to use the internet, he was quite resourceful and enjoyed tracking down lost friends to reconnect.

George married Phyllis A. Daniels in Denver on July 11, 1970. He began a new career as a deep-sea diver and underwater welder attending school in Long Beach, California then traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana to work in the oil fields. He next worked in Africa and later Roanoke, Virginia, and Troy, Ohio as a pipefitter/welder, before settling in Toledo in 1980.

George was a proud member of Pipefitters Union #776 based out of Lima for many years – he still attended Union meetings until his passing and enjoyed marching in Labor Day Parades for many years.

After retiring George took up golf, achieving not one, but two holes-in-one. He also enjoyed bowling and reading non-fiction. His favorite topics included politics, the military, history, and the mafia.

Services will be hosted at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave, on Saturday, July 1. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Service with military honors will begin at 11:30 am followed by interment at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery, 6382 Monroe St. A reception with refreshments will follow at Garden Park Christian/First Baptist Church, 6520 Pilliod Road, Holland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure SMA at www.curesma.org or 800-886-1762.