George Abendschoen

George Abendschoen, a longtime Catonsville resident, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at age 87.

He was the beloved husband of Phyllis Bannister Abendschoen; loving father of Michael Abendschoen (Colleen DeBoy), Andy Abendschoen (Patty Abendschoen), George Neil Abendschoen (Amy Abendschoen), Jackie Milani (Jack Milani), & Mary Clare Gretz (Mark Gretz); cherished grandfather of Kellie Loehr (Donnie), Kevin Abendschoen (Leah), Shannon Harbison (Bill Kingsland), Greg Abendschoen, Drew Abendschoen, Lee Abendschoen, Julia Abendschoen, Katie Abendschoen, John Milani, Meghan Milani, Molly Milani, Amanda Gretz, Laura Gretz &, Olivia Gretz and great-grandfather of, Luke Loehr, Mason Loehr, Michael Abendschoen, & Jeffrey Abendschoen; dear brother of the late Rev. A. Leo Abendschoen and the late Elizabeth "Betty" Thomas.

George was born on July 2, 1934 in Hamilton, Maryland to Leo and Elizabeth Abendschoen. When he was a child, his parents owned Leo’s restaurant at the corner of Frederick Road and Monroe Street. George graduated from Loyola High School in 1953. After high school, he entered the military. He became a sergeant in the United States Army serving from 1954-1959 in the 457th Antiaircraft Artillery Ammunition Trailer Battalion out of Ft. Miles, Delaware. He was deployed in Korea for sixteen months.

After the military, George met his future wife, Phyllis, who he married on January 21st, 1961. Throughout his long career in sales, he sold many different types of equipment and was active in local politics. Eventually George worked at a family owned business, Gem Discount Liquors until it sold in early 2000’s. During that time he was active with the Baltimore County Licensed Beverage Association.  In the early 1990’s, George served as an aide to County Executive Roger Hayden and also named as an administrator to the Baltimore County Liquor Board under County Executive Jim Smith. When he went into his semi-retirement he kept himself busy working part-time at a Manger’s Meats and Law Office of Mister, Winter and Bartlet.

George was an active member in the Catonsville community where he volunteered for many different organizations such as the Catonsville Knights of Columbus #1960, Rollingwood Pool, Catonsville 4th of July Celebrations Committee, and St. Mark’s Church. He was a devout catholic at St. Mark’s Parish for more than 60 years where he was a eucharistic minister and helped with numerous parish events. George served in different roles on the 4th of July Celebrations Committee and could be found standing at the start of the parade route every year up to and including July 2021.

George was a committed family man. He enjoyed all social gatherings with his family and friends and spent many weekends on Kent Island at their summer home. He enjoyed fishing in the bay and ocean with his friends. He enjoyed sporting events including the Baltimore Colts, Ravens, and watching his children and grandchildren play.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s name can be made to the

Catonsville Celebrations Committee

P.O. Box 21202

Catonsville, MD 21228

or

St. Benedict Catholic Church

2612 Wilkens Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21223

https://www.givecentral.org/location/603/event/19265

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