George B. Hettinger

George B Hettinger, age 89, of Aurora Ohio, passed away on Sunday November 9th, 2014, in Aurora ,Ohio. George is survived by his children G. David Hettinger (Vicki) of Tallmadge, Christine H. Ganoe of Stow (Bill) of Aurora, Barbara H. Kudley (John) of Aurora, Mark Hettinger (Robin) of Aurora, his grandchildren Bill Ganoe Jr., Shawnee Feskanin (Chris), David Ganoe, Mathew Ganoe, JJ Kudley (Sara), Molly Schneider (Matt), Heather Putnam (Rob), Megan Greb (Josh), Jeff Kudley, Morgan Ganoe, J.R. Lynn, Steve Kudley and ten great grandchildren, as well as special family friends John and Sarah Schmader of Aurora. Preceded in death by his wife Arlyn R. Hettinger, and sister Ruth H. Vodika.George was born on July 18th, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents George A. Hettinger and Gloria Sylvia (Benes) Hettinger. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corp in 1943. George was part of the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions participating in many campaigns as a radio operator in the South Pacific on various small and large islands during World War II. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and Silver Star. George’s Company was assigned to the re-occupation efforts of China after the war and this extended his enlistment with the Marines. Following the war he pursued a higher level of education and graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelors degree in Education specializing in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. During his college years he met and married Arlyn Robinson. He and his new wife Arlyn accepted teaching positions in the Aurora Local School District and taught for several years. Following two years of teaching he was reactivated from the Marine Corp Reserve to serve during the Korean Conflict. George spent a large portion of his time that resulted from his activation as coordinator of Educational and Athletic services for the Marine Corp at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. After the conclusion of his service during Korea he returned to teaching at Aurora and began to raise his family of what would eventually be four children. George spent another six years teaching, coaching and driving a school bus in Aurora and returned to Kent State University on a part time basis to earn a Masters Degree in Education specializing in counseling, school administration, and curriculum. He accepted a teaching position at Kenston High School for a year, and then spent the next five years as a Junior High Assistant Principal and High School Principal. George once again moved on to a different school system to continue his administrative career in the Warrensville Heights City Schools. George continued his professional education at the University of Akron and earned a Doctorate of Education and supervised student teachers for the College of Education. Dr. Hettinger held positions as Principal, Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent and retired after being the Superintendent for many years at Warrensville Heights City Schools.During the time in which George was stationed at Camp LeJeune North Carolina he established close personal ties to several local families in the area. These relationships grew into a strong bond to the local community of Surf City and Topsail Island North Carolina. George continued to visit the families and area for vacations and other social obligations throughout his life. George and Arlyn decided it would be the area that they wanted to settle in for their summer home and eventual semi-retirement location, so property was purchased and George’s family continues to spend large amounts of time at the family cottage.When not involved in his professional endeavors George dabbled in local politics in both the Village of Aurora and eventually the City of Aurora. George served as the Village Clerk for Aurora for several years before being elected to a seat on counsel. George spent many years on various committees as a city councilman and dedicated significant amounts of time to city government. Eventually he ran for and was elected to the position of Mayor and was instrumental in the process of the Village and the Township of Aurora merging to become the City of Aurora of which he served as the first mayor. George was also a member for many years of the Aurora Fire Department as one of the first paramedics and retired after thirty plus years of service at the rank of Captain. George taught many classes of EMT students at the Maplewood JVC and still has practicing EMT’s on many local fire departments. George was also a member of several civic organizations including the Kent Rockton Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis, VFW, Aurora Historical Society, and founding member of the Aurora American Legion. George was a member of the Church in Aurora and served on many boards and held several leadership roles through the years. Mr. Hettinger planned and attended numerous medical and church related missionary trips in various parts of Central and South America as well as Mexico. During some of those trips he met and developed an association and friendship with leaders from the American Indian Nation and through the church guided several mission trips in various parts of Arizona and New Mexico. During his twilight months and years George enjoyed his Surf City cottage, reading, spending time with his family and reminiscing on the past. George had an exciting and fulfilling life and touched many lives in many ways. Calling hours are scheduled for George Hettinger at the Steinbauer Funeral Home in Solon on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 and a funeral is scheduled for Friday at 11:00 with internment at the Aurora Cemetery following. There will be a memorial service at 1:00 at The Church in Aurora. Memorial donations can be made to the Aurora Firefighters Association.