George B. Gritt, Sr.
Gritt, George Bernard, Sr.
George B Gritt, Sr. at the age of 88, peacefully passed away at his home on March 14, 2020, surrounded by his family. George had been lovingly cared for by his wife, Carolyn, numerous faithful caregivers and finally the wonderful Hospice team. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and an ultimate Green Bay Packer fan. He was our “gentle giant” who was so very much loved by all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren of whom he was so very proud.
George was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Arthur Edward Gritt and Zelpha Marie Clements Gritt, one of nine children. He served in the USAF during the Korean conflict and when honorably discharged in 1956, he entered collage, graduating with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1960. His career as an engineer took him to many locations from New York, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin and finally to California, where in 1973, he served as a tireless civil service employee of DCAS, at Delco Electronics, then as a NASA engineer at Santa Barbara Research and Raytheon. George was most proud of his work on the Apollo Space program, retiring from NASA in 1983.
During his 47 years in the Goleta/ Santa Barbara area, he watched his five children grow up, coached them in their many sports activities or cheered them on from the sidelines. Always the athlete, George played softball with the Knights of Columbus team but football was his passion and win or lose, the Green Bay Packers were his “team”. George was an active member of St Raphael’s parish and later St Mark’s University Parish as a Eucharistic minister and member of the Parish council.
George is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn, daughter, Helen Marie Lindstrom (Scott), sons, Paul Gritt (Teresa), Matthew Gritt (Kacey), John Gritt (Elisabeth) and daughter in law, Liz Gritt. He is also survived by grandchildren Samuel, Abigail, and Genevieve Gritt, Connor, Keri, and Kathryne Lindstrom, Jordan, Jenna, and Ian Gritt, Haven and Levi Gritt, Shelby and Jake Gritt-Comey and step granddaughter, Melisa Vivian and great grandchildren, Adalynn and Logan. He is also survived by his brothers, David (Elizabeth) and Thomas (Suanne), sister, Regina O’Hara, and many nieces and nephews.
George was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Zelpha, his eldest son, George (Skip) Jr., brothers, Joseph, William and Robert Gritt and sisters, Mary Lashbrook and Joan Gritt.
Inurnment will be privately held at the Old Mission Columbarium with a celebration of George’s life to be held at a later date but feel free to make a memorial contribution in his name to the Assisted Healthcare Hospice or any charity of your choice. We are so grateful for the many caregivers and the Hospice nurses who gave George such wonderful care.