On Friday January 4, 2019 George F. Palko, Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away at the age of 88. George was born on March 25, 1930 in Homestead Pennsylvania. In 1948 after graduating from Homestead High School, George entered the Air Force and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base.

While playing softball in Phoebus, a lovely young girl caught his eye and it was pretty much love at first sight and George and Betty Wray Lassiter were married in 1951. In 1953 George was accepted into the apprentice program at NACA (NASA) in the Fabrication Division. During his career, George  received numerous awards for his work on the Mercury, Apollo, Viking and Shuttle Programs and retired as a Branch Head in the Operations Support Division in 1994. George participated in many different sports and enjoyed coaching his children's sports teams. George loved attending his aerobic classes with his best friend Joe and golfing with his buddies. George was also a talented sketch artist and enjoyed making greeting cards and posters for his friends. George was active in his church and volunteered for numerous organizations to include the Special Olympics. George had an unforgettable personality and a great sense of humor that we will all miss.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; daughters, Nancy Brooks (Bill); Barbara Tootle (Bob) sons, George (Sandra); Kelse (Rowena) and grandchildren, Shelley and Brett Palko and Kalen Palko; sister, Judee Myers; sister-in-law, Janie Krodel and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents,  Ann and George F. Palko and sister, Joan Patton.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:00 on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton. Immediately following, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. John Grace. The Family wishes in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the ICC Food Pantry, 2150 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA  23666.