"Jay" George Vasconcelos Obituary (1942

Devoted husband, father, grandfather and son. Its with a sad heart that we announce that George Jay Vasconcelos went home to meet his Lord, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Although our hearts are heavy, they are also full of gratitude to have been part of the life of this wonderful and generous man. He is survived by his wife Judy, his children Jaime and Jason, and his two grandsons. Jay grew up on a farm in Tracy, Ca. where he made some of his fondest memories helping his parents, George and Clarice, grow walnuts, almonds and apricots and learning to love and honor The Lord. He loved his memories of the football team, good friends, and vibrant Portuguese community in Tracy, and visited often both with his family, and later as a devoted son caring for his beloved mother. Always a hard worker, he worked his way through college and went on to achieve his PHD in Microbiology at Oregon State University. Jay earned high honors in his field, doing original research and publishing to several scientific journals on groundwater and filtration. He achieved rank of Captain with the United States Public Health Service, where his research continues to help improve the water quality for us and millions around the world. A devoted husband, he knew he met his match for life, when he met Judy in Spain. They soon married and moved to Gig Harbor where they raised their two children. A wonderful father, Jay brought his children to the lab, and the lab to his children, taking petri dish projects to their classrooms and played the mad scientist at their schools haunted house. His children take with them the fond memories of loving dad, and great role-model. Always there for his children and wife. In his retirement years, Jay rediscovered his love of travel, journeying with his wife, and often taking his whole family to places to Egypt, Norway, China and Alaska. He also discovered many new hobbies and a deep commitment to his brothers-in-Christ at his church, St. Nicholas. He was a committed member of St. Vincent de Paul where he helped many people during struggling times of their lives. Some of the people he helped went on to become Jays dearest friends. This last year, Jay enjoyed spending many joyous hours with his grandbaby and visiting museums with his older grandson. Also, forty of his closest friends and family joined him in September as he celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his loving bride and travel companion. He will be remembered, and his life celebrated on Monday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church in Gig Harbor, 3510 Rosedale St. NW. He will be entombed at Haven of Rest.