George McKinley, 91, WWII vet, vocal professor, tenor soloist, sports fan, enjoyed birdwatching

George Alexander McKinley, 91, passed away May 6, 2015 at Moravian Manor, Lititz.

He was born in New Concord, Ohio, Nov. 24, 1923. He was the husband of Mary Lou Green McKinley and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary Sept. 8, 2014.

He was the son of the late David F. and Lillian Belle Arnold McKinley. He is predeceased by his sister: Ruth Dougherty; and brother: Frank McKinley.

After George served in the Radio Signal Corps of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in England, France, and Ascension Island, he returned to attend Westminster Choir College and met his future wife, Mary Lou, who also studied voice. After completing graduate courses in music at Indiana University, George served as professor of voice at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University, a tenor soloist at local churches, and director of the Temple University Opera Theatre for many years. He also led a number of student tours in Europe for the School of Music at Temple University. He mentored many voice students and shared his singing expertise and generous spirit with all.

George was a lifelong Presbyterian whose faith played a central role in his life. He was also an avid sports fan and a lover of history. Some of the highlights of his life were trips back to New Concord to visit the parents he cherished. He also enjoyed birdwatching with Mary Lou in the Everglades and other wildlife sanctuaries. Greatly loved by his family and friends, George was known for his compassion and incomparable sense of humor. He was a loving husband and father and will be terribly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Margaret, wife of Robert Verrecchia; Marilyn, wife of Jay Parrish; and Kathryn McKinley; his grandchildren: Ruth, wife of Eric Sauder; Daniel Parrish; and his new great-grandson: Luke Parrish Sauder. He is also survived by his sister: Margaret Geran, Tucson, Ariz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Steinman Hall of Moravian Manor, 300 W. Lemon Street, Lititz, on Monday, May 18, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Richard Thierolf officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:15 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Boyer College of Music at Temple University, 2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 or to the Benevolence Fund of Moravian Manor.

To share an online condolences visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Spacht Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz, was entrusted with the arrangements.