July 1, 1925 -- June 15, 2004

George N. Vernasco, 78, of South West Street, Mishawaka, passed away at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, in Fountainview Place, Mishawaka. George was born on July 1, 1925, in Mishawaka, as the son of the late Theodore and Josephine (Bezi) Vernasco.

On Sept. 1, 1943, in Mishawaka, he married the former Marie Williams, who survives, along with a daughter, Linda (Gary) Verleye of Mason, Ohio; two sons, David G. (Diane) Vernasco and George E. (Manette) Vernasco, both of Mishawaka; six grandchildren, David J. Vernasco, Lisa (David) Worley, Tara (Rich) Rader, Erica and Julia Vernasco, and Michael Verleye. There are 5 great-grandchildren, Aaron, Collin, Rachel, Ryan and Leah; two brothers, Elmo Vernasco and Walter "Dado" Vernasco, both of Mishawaka.

George was a lifetime area resident. He was a United States Navy veteran, serving his country during World War II. He fought at the battle of Leyte in the South Pacific.

He was a very successful businessman. He was part-owner with his brother, Elmo, of the Mishawaka Body Shop, and from 1960 to 1967 he was part-owner of Regal Bowling Lanes. He owned and operated Transmission Technicians before he retired in 1975.

He was on the Mishawaka Park Board and also the Mishawaka School Board. George was instrumental in getting the building trades program implemented.

George was a member of the St. Bavo's Catholic Church, Di Amici's Club, BK Club, and a lifetime member of VFW Post #360.

His lifetime hobbies included baseball, fast-pitch softball, boccie ball, hunting, golf, deep-sea fishing on "Dad's Dream," and travel which included many trips to Italy. George was also the Mishawaka Billiards Champion in 1963.

George was a loving husband, father, Nono, Great-Nono, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends may visit from 2 to 8 p.m. today, June 17, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 18, in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of George may be made to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Northern Indiana Chapter, 108 N. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601; American Cancer Society, 535 W. Edison, Unit #6, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or St. Joseph County Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.