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George Walter "Big George" Roeschenthaler

July 12, 1944 - February 02, 2025

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Obituary For George Walter "Big George" Roeschenthaler

Of Whitehall Borough, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Big George was a man who embraced life, finding his greatest pleasure in the little things and his family. An adoring husband to his wife Darlene, George embraced each day they shared, which included laughter from moments that most overlook. The son of Paul and Anne Roeschenthaler, brother to Ralph, Paul, Ted, Rich and William, all of whom predeceased him, loving father to Denise Ignasky (wife of Al Ignasky), George Roeschenthaler (husband of Shelly Roeschenthaler), and Michael Roeschenthaler (husband of Tina Roeschenthaler), cherished grandfather to Jeff Hoffman, Chelsea Meyers, Albert Ignasky, Andrew Ignasky, Paige Roeschenthaler, Julia Roeschenthaler, and Reese Roeschenthaler, and a truly great great-grandfather to Nora Meyers and Benjamin Hoffman, George found joy from the lives of those he loved.

The outreach among his friends and family and the shared moments is what brought him joy, and when his giant hands were not holding a cigar, they were always open figuratively and literally to everyone around him. Having served 34 years with the Pittsburgh Police and before that with the Army National Guard, Big George spent his life selflessly caring for others (including, in particular, his rotund, ice cream-loving dog Bridgette). Impassioned by life and learning, Big George loved to travel, was an avid reader and enjoyed solving puzzles; but his unwavering devotion to those he loved is easily the most notable and consequential characteristic. A gentle giant, Big George left us too early, but the foundation that he left (often embodied in his wise sayings) remains for the generations that survive him.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel. As Big George would have wanted, in lieu of flowers, his family asks that friends and family contribute time, patience, and love to their children. His passing should be that of the torch that made him the man so loved by many.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Claire Hoffman planted 5 trees in memory of George Walter "Big George" Roeschenthaler . - February 07, 2025

  • 5 TREES

    Carol M Whitaker planted 5 trees in memory of George Walter "Big George" Roeschenthaler . - February 05, 2025

Condolences

  • February 12, 2025

    Sad to hear of the passing of George. A wonderful man and neighbor who always waved hello when seeing him. Will miss him. Vianne Medice.

  • February 10, 2025

    We are so sorry to hear about George's passing. Living next door to George and Darlene in Carrick was wonderful. You were such good neighbors and treated our daughters Amanda and Kara, just little girls at the time, like princesses. We will always remember George as the "gentle giant" you describe in his obituary. We definitely remember the cigars and how they somehow never got wet in pool...haha. We are the ones who were truly blessed knowing George and may God bless him and his entire family at this sad time. May you find peace in the memories shared by all who knew him. RIP George.

  • February 06, 2025

    Darlene So sorry about the passing of George my deepest sympathy to you and your family Roxanne Krueger

  • February 05, 2025

    Your obituary is such a loving tribute to Big George. As you said he was a gentle giant - kind and loving. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. We chose to plant some trees in George's honor. I hope they all grow big and tall. Carol, Adam & Chelsey, Erik & Megan Whitaker

  • February 04, 2025

    To the Roeschenthaler Family, I am so sorry to read the passing of George. He was a cousin of my Dad, Bob Hester. George was loved by many and will be missed. Remember the good times, I know there were many, this will give you peace. I send my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace George.

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