Obituary of George Ronald Collinge

George R. Collinge, of Austin, passed away peacefully the morning of October 9, 2017. He was born on February 13, 1930 in Washington, DC. George grew up in and around the DC area and their family home was on Cobb Island, MD.

George was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Teresa Collinge, his father Ronald Collinge, his sister Joan Boone, his sister Shirley Kogok, his step-daughter Elizabeth Chavera and the love of his life, his wife of 39 years, Pita Collinge.

George is survived by his brother Carl Collinge, his sister Lorraine Oldham and his and Pita’s daughter Teresa Collinge Miller and her son Collin Miller, his two daughters and son from his first marriage, Kathy Simpson, Christine Smallwood and her husband Earl, George Richard Collinge and his wife Pamela, his step-daughter Vickie Johns and her husband Glen, his step-son Michael Gil and his wife Mornice and all their families, including his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He had unique relationships with each one and loved them all dearly.

George lived a long, interesting and full life. He was a vigorous, passionate man. Early in life, his military career took him around the world and eventually would later lead him to Texas where he would become one of LBJ’s personal helicopter pilots for three years and he would meet the love of his life. After his tour in Vietnam, he retired from 20 years of service in the military, married Pita and returned to her hometown to start the next chapter in their lives. Austin would be their home for life and where they would raise their daughter, Teresa. George was a loving and involved step-father to Pita’s three children from her first marriage. George and Pita had an extremely rich, happy and full life. They loved their time together. They were season ticketholders to the Austin Lyric Opera and UT sporting events. On most Saturdays they could often be found at St. Mary’s Cathedral for mass, dining with friends and out on the dance floor at Donn’s Depot especially if Nash Hernandez was scheduled to play.

A rosary will be held Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 6pm at Mission Funeral Home in East Austin. A funeral mass will be held the following morning at 9:30 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Special thanks to Hospice Austin for helping to provide care for George in his final months.  Flowers are always welcome or donations may be made to Hospice Austin in his name.