George Vendura, age 77, of Carlisle, died unexpectedly in Boston on June 3, 2025, due to medical complications from his chemotherapy treatments. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jeannie Geneczko, who was originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania, and met George at Penn State while in graduate school.

"George from the Bronx," his storytelling moniker, was born in the Bronx on February 8, 1948, as the son of the late George and Rita (Cutrone) Vendura.

He was immensely proud to be a Jesuit-educated graduate of Fordham Preparatory School. Ambitious educational endeavors lead him to eventually earn his doctorate in Physics from Penn State University. He has 43 publications in various technical journals and secured six patents. His solar cell inventions had enabled NASA-JPL's Sojourner, the first exploratory robotic vehicle on the surface of Mars.

Despite his scientific achievements, many people today know him as "George from the Bronx," whose creativity, sense of humor and ability to relate to people has made him so many friends. He has brought laughter to crowds including his appearances in local storytelling productions, the Moth venues, and in a televised PBS "Stories from the Stage." At the time of his death, he was working to have several books published: "Bronxcapades" (stories of his childhood growing up in the Bronx), "State Penn" (a novel), 3 books of poetry, and multiple short stories.

And few people are aware of his love and work in the classic arts of sculpture, painting, and sketching as well as photography.

George wasted no time in his precious life.

In addition to his wife, George is survived by siblings: Nancy Vendura, Larry (Lina) Vendura, and Rita (Paul) Cortese, plus many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Tuesday, June 17th from 5 to 8 pm at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. George's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 18th at 10:30 am in St. Irene Parish, 181 East Street, Carlisle.  To attend the Mass remotely, please click here to view the church live stream.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to Fordham Prep, Attn: EDC, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458-5121 or online at www.fordhamprep.org/giving/donate-now

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.