George James
Mengason, 84
SALISBURY, Md. - George James Mengason passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022, after battling a series of long illnesses.
The beloved husband of Jane Ellen (Bounds), the two celebrated 57 beautiful years of marriage last month.
Born to James and Elizabeth (Latsios) Mengason in Drexel, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1937, he is survived by his two sons, J. Andrew (Alysse) Mengason of Salt Lake City, Utah and William Mengason of Ocean City, Maryland. He is the cherished grandfather of Drew, Will and Hayden; brother-in-law to James (Sarah) Bounds and Jo (David) Newcomb. He is also survived by his brother, Constantine Mengason; and sister, Elaine Wilson; along with his cousin, Jimmy Mengason.
George grew up in Ocean City, Maryland. His father owned a successful restaurant and motel where the Ocean City Convention Center now stands. He attended elementary school in Ocean City and returned to Pennsylvania to graduate from Upper Darby High School. He went on to attend Florida State University and joined the U.S. Navy where he served for three years. It's Ocean City where we met a retired businessman who convinced George to join a group of divers and travel to Banner Reef in the Caribbean in the early-1960's, to dive for coins and other treasures.
George returned to Ocean City and opened a dive and surf shop, where he eventually met Jane Ellen. They were married on December 20, 1964 in Salisbury. His passion for the water and wildlife continued to flourish. He spent many days and nights at the Bounds family retreat on Hollands Island, which is where he also helped his two boys grow their lifelong adoration for hunting and fishing.
In his cherished Salisbury, George owned and operated Dennis Moving & Storage, a Mayflower agent, for five decades. He served as chairman of Mayflower Warehouse Association, along with serving on numerous other national boards and committees for the van line. George was not one to sit still when it came to involvement in his community! He was a proud member of the Rotary Club and the Rotary Power Squadron of the Chesapeake Bay, along with Trinity United Methodist Church of Salisbury. He supported many organizations but found a spot he loved as Chairman of the Salisbury Zoo Commission. He was honored several months ago for 52 years of service with the Zoo, a place he cherished and would often share with his friends, children, and grandchildren.
George had a giant heart and endless love and concern for his family, his friends, and his community. His giant smile and boundless generosity were known throughout the area. He adored hosting all holidays, from Easter to Thanksgiving to Christmas with his beloved family. Some of his fondest memories were from his tree-trimming and anniversary party each weekend before Christmas, which he and Jane Ellen hosted for 50 years.
Close family will gather for a private graveside service this week with a memorial in George's honor planned for spring 2022.
The Mengason family, along with the Salisbury Zoo, have established the George J. Mengason Memorial Fund for the Eagle Exhibit. To contribute, you can direct donations to: The Salisbury Zoo Commission Inc., George J. Mengason Memorial Fund, Attn: Mary Seemann, P.O. Box 2979, Salisbury, MD 21802