George H. Whitaker, 88

WILMINGTON - George H. Whitaker, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully June 12, 2009, at his home, surrounded by family, after a long battle with Leukemia. He was 88. He was born Oct. 14, 1920, in Wilmington, and graduated from Wilmington High School. A veteran of World War II, he retired from the U.S. Air Force and later from the US Postal Service. He was an avid stamp collector, card player, tropical fish hobbyist, and a sports fan of the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers and the Delaware Blue Hens. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth P. Whitaker; his brother, William Whitaker; daughter, Phyllis Teti and her husband Angelo; three sons, Bill Whitaker and his wife Mary, Robert Whitaker and his wife Giovonni, and Jack Whitaker; granddaughter, Jacki Whitaker; and eight grandsons, Bill Whitaker, Tim Whitaker, Jay Reinhart, David Reinhart and Steven Reinhart, Troy Whitaker, Mike Whitaker and Leo Whitaker; three great-granddaughters, Brittany Davis, Savannah Whitaker, and Addyson Whitaker; and great-great-granddaughter, Ava Melson. He was preceded in death by son, Chuck Whitaker. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Tuesday, June 16, between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Mealey Funeral Home, Limestone and Milltown Roads, Wilmington, where funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com.