FRIEND, GEORGE W.

passed away on June 24, 2013 in his home. George was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 2, 1925 to Clara and George Friend. He grew up in Barrington, Illinois attending grade school and high school before entering the Air Corps during World War II.  Later in 1948, he married Anna Jeanne Casper and they remained married for 59 years until her death in 2008. He was hired by Illinois Bell where he began his career as a telephone installer, later advancing to Marketing Manager and ending up in Phoenix, AZ working for Mountain Bell/US West.  He retired at the age of 58 and remained in Arizona keeping very active volunteering for the ‘Arizona Friends of Talking Books’ and serving on the board of Sun West Federal Credit Union. George is survived by his five children (Patricia Adams/Gary, Linda Wise/Jim, Bill Friend/Kimberly, John Friend/Stephanie and Claire Giles/Steve) and eleven grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to ‘Arizona Friends of Talking Books’, 1030 N. 32^nd St., Phoenix, AZ  85008.