Emil George Obituary

Emil Edward George

Emil Edward George, 72, of Washington, D.C., died suddenly and unexpectedly April 3, 2024, after recovering from a painful injury and returning with optimism to his many plans for the future. His death came as an immense shock to all who knew and loved him, but he died peacefully in bed, suffering only a few moments of pain before losing consciousness.

Emil was the beloved partner and husband of David Maloney for 33 years. He was the sixth of eight children raised in McComb by Helen Edith Decker and Forrest Franklin George.

He is survived by five siblings and their spouses, Thais Sikora and Diane Abbey of Bristol, Virginia, Linda and Ned Foley of Madison, Steve and Liz George of Durham, North Carolina, and Joe and Regina George of McComb; sister-in-law, Phyllis George of Bluffton; and many nieces and nephews he was the loving uncle of.

Emil was preceded in death by his siblings, Gene and Sheila George and Ron George of Ohio.

Family was the constant in Emil's memories of childhood and it guided him through life. He always credited the values instilled by his parents and in recent years helped draw his family closer by hosting an annual reunion.

Emil pursued a long and rewarding career as a classical musician, playing French horn. After earning his music degree from Bowling Green State University, he studied with noted hornists Philip Farkas and Joseph Singer. From 1977-1985, he lived in Mexico and served as principal horn with the orchestra of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra under maestro Enrique Bátiz. After the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, he relocated to Washington and performed with theater, opera, symphony, and chamber orchestras in the Mid-Atlantic area, appearing at the Kennedy Center, Baltimore Opera, National Theater, Wolf Trap, and many other venues. He was also active in solo and chamber recitals, his favorite form of performance. He founded the Fessenden Ensemble and as artistic director, presented dozens of concerts from 2001-2011, earning praise from local reviewers for their distinctive programming and musicianship.

A true virtuoso, Emil set very high musical standards for himself and for those who worked with him. He never took the artistry of music-making for granted and was always generous in his praise, rarely missing the chance to compliment a colleague who had played well. That generosity of spirit permeated his friendships as well. He was guileless and charming, easily lighting up any room with his infectious effervescence. He loved to cook and entertain, was a bounteous host, and a generous patron of favorite places to eat. For Emil, an evening in his seat on the front porch brought the chance to chat with passersby and make new friends.

In Mexico and on later travels with David throughout the United States and beyond, Emil pursued his passion for fine art, sculpture and ceramics, ending most vacations with shipments from abroad and continued correspondence with artists befriended overseas. His collection was an abiding inspiration to them both. He loved to tell the stories behind favorite pieces and most of all, enjoyed sharing his appreciation of beautiful things through wonderful gifts to his family and friends.

In lieu of services, a musical celebration of the gift of Emil's life will be in Washington this fall.