George Lawrence Pestik died peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 19, 2022. He was 89 years old.
George was born on March 3 ,1933 in New York City. Always seeking adventure, he joined the US Air Force after high school. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War where he met his wife, Yoko, who worked at the PX on the base.
George and Yoko moved from Japan to Seattle after the war where they would go on to have four children. He worked at Boeing during this time and used the G.I. Bill to help obtain a degree in Physics from the University of Washington.
George moved his family to Florida and continued working for Boeing during the 1960s Space Race. He went on to work on several different space programs including Titan III / IV and the Space Shuttle, making many significant contributions as a systems engineer. In his free time he loved to tinker with engines, read, engage in lively conversation and, more recently, sail with his wife, Sheena.
George enjoyed spending time with Sheena’s children when they visited Florida or when he and Sheena would take a trip to Canada. They include Mischa Chicoine and his partner Ondina Carvalho; Mischa’s sons Rio and Sacha Chicoine; Neil Chicoine, Anna Chicoine, Alisha Chicoine and her husband Gabe Girard.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Yoko; parents Frances and George; and his oldest daughter, Minette. He is survived by his wife of ten years, Sheena; son Raymond (Tammi) Pestik; daughters Laurel Bivens and Janette (Mark) Matthess; sister Yvonne DiDomizio; grandchildren Kristina Herndon, Rachel Pestik, Erin Huntley, Edward Gatto, Kile Pestik, Katherine Gatto, Sarah Dobson; and great grandchild Sophie Herndon; along with numerous nieces and nephews.