George Willard Furbush of Downers Grove, Ill., and formerly a longtime resident of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.

Born and raised in Delaware, George was a proud graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. After living in Wilmington and Washington, D.C., he made Rehoboth Beach his home for 16 years, and then relocated to the Chicago area. To know George was to know his infectious sense of humor, his ready smile and his boundless warmth. He could talk to anyone and had a rare gift for turning any minor mishap into an unforgettable adventure and a great story.

George was a man who truly loved being around others. Whether he was volunteering his time to help out with the Boy Scouts, selling cars, helping out at an auction, or offering to do odd jobs, he was always there to lend a hand to friends, neighbors and relatives alike. When he wasn't busy helping someone else, George could often be found out on the water, pursuing his passion for fishing.

Throughout his life, George was a devoted family man. He was a deeply loved brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his brother, John; and his children, Sandy, John, Marty and Matthew. George was also the proud grandfather of Katelyn, Sean, Seamus, Maggie, Ever and Ruby. In addition, he was a great-grandfather to Margot, Mia, Mason, Maeve and Jamie. He celebrated and loved his family above everything else.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 5, at 36 Canal Landing Court, Rehoboth Beach. The family invites all who knew and loved George to come together, share their favorite stories and celebrate a life well lived.