George T. Dooling, Sr., 81, of St. Louis, Missouri, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on November 6, 2024, succumbing to the long-term effects of Parkinson’s disease.
George was born on December 21, 1942 to Frank and Julia Dooling (nee Prendergast) in St. Louis, Missouri. He and his six siblings grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, attending Holy Redeemer church and school. After high school, George joined the United States Marine Corp.
In 1965, George married the love of his life, Sally Bockius, in St. Louis, Missouri. George and Sally went on to have five children, George, Greg, Julia, David, and Sally. George’s passion was his family. He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and “Papa.” He especially loved holidays and vacations with his family and was often seen around town proudly wearing polo shirts with his grandchildren’s names embroidered on them.
George’s career was in sales, traveling the midwest as a manufacturers representative for all manner of hardware, lawn, and garden equipment. George’s gregarious personality, ability to connect with anyone, and his attention to detail made him a very successful salesman. After retiring, “Mr. George” became a beloved staff member at St. Lucas Preschool, greeting students each morning with a high five. In his free time, George loved playing golf, duck hunting, and watching the Blues, Cardinals, and Rams.
George is survived by his wife Sally, his children George (Jessica), Greg (Shari), Julia (Erik), David (Susan), and Sally (Mark), his grandchildren Hanna, Faith, Grace, Sarah, J.D., Jake, Oscar, Emily, George, Clark, Henry, Hunter, and John, his siblings Marian, Frank, Ann, and Julie, and many nieces and nephews. His sister Peggy and brother Charles preceded him in death.
A celebration of life mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Kirkwood, Missouri at 10:30 a.m. on December 21, 2024. The family will be greeting attendees starting at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, Sally requests that donations be made to Our Lady’s Inn, https://ourladysinn.org/.
To the incomparable Big Sally and my best and most beautiful sister in law Sally Richman and my big brother Mark , all my nephews- Oscar, George, Henry and Clark and the entire Dooling family and friends – our greatest condolences for this loss. We have been blessed to have so many family memories in St Louis over these many years with Big George always at the heart of it all. He will be so missed as he was and is so loved. All our thoughts are with you all. Love Carter, Nicole, Emily and Charlie Vance.
I have been blessed to know George since 1980 when he was the first Rep. to call on me as a new Buyer at MFA Inc. in Columbia. And when I moved on to Orscheln, he continued to be a trusted business partner and an even better friend. I admired George for his engaging personality, his dedication to his faith, his appreciation for sports, his faithful service to our country, his perseverance as a duffer, his undying love and loyalty to Sally, and his great pride in his children and grandchildren. George was a gift to all whose lives he touched and he will certainly be missed.
Such a brave man living for years in nursing home. Sally was such a dedicated caregiver. I feel lucky to know such a great family with suh aninspirational patriarch.
A beautiful tribute and the perfect picture of George. May he rest in peace.
Prayers for Sally – courageous, faithful, beautiful wife and inspiration. May the thoughts and prayers of those who love you lift you up in this time of sorrow,
To Mrs. MeGillicuddy – Sincere sympathy and love, j
Jean and Mark
There isn’t enough I can say about this amazing man. I have known him since I was in kindergarten with his oldest son, George, Jr., where we became fast friends and George, Sr. was an influence in all of our lives. He made us laugh. He coached us. He supported us. He also told us in no uncertain terms when we needed to “shape up” (but perhaps more colorful language may have been used). I will NEVER forget all of the fun times our families spent together on vacations, sporting events and the holidays. Who could forget our annual holiday White Castle feasts! George, I’m tearing up as I write this because you played such an amazing role in my life that I will never forget. I know you and Dad are connecting in heaven and that takes away the tears. Rest in peace! I feel privileged to be able to call you a friend. You will not be forgotten and I look very much forward to celebrating your life with my sisters and your family next month. Whoever selected this photo – you’re a genius – it captures George just as I remember him! ❤️❤️❤️
We met the Doolings when they move in next door to us on Acorn Dr. in Crestwood!
It was each of our first homes which was some time in the late 60s as I recall when they moved in! I was a painter and did some painting as a neighbor for them. After that we hit it off with the silliest fun things which we kept up for years even after Betty and I moved to Kirkwood for a short time in a house I built! Over the years Sally was in shows I did at St Elizabeth’s church in Crestwood then joined me at Vianney High school where our Sons went to school. I was manager of the shows at Vianney and then I ask Sally when her son became student if she would be interested in managing and she took over! Life as it does became very busy but we stayed friends and still are! Sally was out to lunch us a while back! We treasure our friendship with the Doolings and our love will always be!
The John Vogt family sends its deepest sympathy to Sally & the rest of the Dooling family. Thinking of all of you & keeping you in our prayers.