Dec 27, 2013

Washington Steel retiree served in Marine Corps

George W. Gift, of Washington, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2013, in his home, after a lengthy illness.

He was born August 12, 1930, in Brackenridge, a son of George L. and Julia Eurich Gift.

Mr. Gift was a 1948 graduate of Tarentum High School, and later from Washington & Jefferson College.

He worked for Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation. In 1963, he was employed by Washington Steel Corporation, and retired after 30 years as chief chemist.

Mr. Gift joined the U.S. Marine Corps, having served eight years as both active and active reserve capacities. While in the Marine Corps, he attended schools in chemical and biological warfare. He became and instructor and a demolition expert. He received the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1960.

He was a life member of U.S. Marine Corps League, Washington County Detachment 1138, life member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 776 and American Legion Post 175. He also was a member of American Chemical Society and Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Gift enjoyed helping with Toys for Tots for several years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family.

On May 15, 1954, he married Jacqueline N. Drum, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Susan R. (Samuel) Insana of Fishersville, Va., Elizabeth A. (Jack) Scarborough of Washington and Dr. William D. (Karen) Gift of Waynesboro; 10 grandchildren, Kristen (Michael) Stedman, Ryan (Michelle) Insana, Marc (Ashley) Insana, Megan (Jesse) DuPerow, Adam and Alex Scarborough, Jennifer (Patrick) Mayer, Macklyn, Madison and Cameron Gift; five great-grandchildren, Hanna, Jacob and Anthony Stedman and Isabella and Lillian PuPerow; and a sister, B. Jane (James) Nealer.

Deceased is a sister, Virginia (James) Polosky.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, director, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 30, with the Rev. Ruth Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by U.S. Marine Corps League, and representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.