George G. Hand

George Hand, age 84, of Hammond, IN, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lee Ann; children: Celia Hand, William “Billy” Hand, George Owen Hand, John Paul (Donna) Hand, Helen (Martin) Buckley; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sister, Vera (late Peter) Higgins; numerous nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in passing by his parents: Peter and Elizabeth Hand; son, James “Jim” Peter Hand; brothers: Owen (May) Hand, William (Moya) Hand, Peter (Alice) Hand, James (Margaret) Hand, David (Lorraine) Hand; sisters: Mary (Gary) Malone, Nancy (Michael) Pease, Rose (Hugo) Ruden.

A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM DIRECTLY at All Saints Church located at 570 Sibley Street, Hammond, IN 46320.  Friends are invited to visit with the family at All Saints Church from 10:30 AM until time of service at 11:00.  George will be Inurned at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh, Scotland.

George was second youngest among 10 children. As a young laddy he was athletic. There wasn’t a soccer game on the street without George.  Gym class was his motivation for going to school, as well as his Mum’s persuasive ways.  When there was a brawl on the playground, George was there to defend his brothers. To the chagrin of his Mum, when he was old enough to leave school, George focused his athleticism on Boxing.  He earned a boxer’s robe and trophy as the Featherweight Champion of Edinburgh.

Finally Pleasing his Mum, he learned the skills of a joiner. After beginning a family in Scotland and no longer being able to support them adequately, George decided to join his brother in the US.  He arrived in New York on a sweltering summer day with one suitcase while wearing heavy winter sweaters and an overcoat to save space.  Way to go, George!!  Eventually his trade as a carpenter led him to work on some of the famous Chicago skyscrapers such as the John Hancock building and Sears Tower, among others.

After a time, George attended a religious retreat called Cursillo.  It deeply touched his soul.  He made some lasting friends who together established a place where street people could come in for a hot meal and warm bed on a frigid winter night.  George became the night supervisor of Harbor House while the daytime tasks were tended to by Lee Ann who eventually became his wife of fifty years.

George was a light-hearted, kind and generous person with a sense of humor.  Geoge could “Cut a Rug”, He and Lee Ann enjoyed ballroom dancing together.  He literally gave the coat off his back, and much more, to anyone in need.  His ambition was to make life better for the underprivileged by buying apartments, improving them and renting them out at affordable rates.  He had a way with animals, especially dogs.  Even the meanest of dogs came to him for kisses and a good rub of the ears.  It broke his heart when he lost his beloved pet, Goldie.

Devoted to all his All Saints parish, George volunteered his services in every way possible.  He ran BINGO to raise funds for the church, painted both the inside and outside of the school building and did any and all kinds of needed repairs.  He organized the spaghetti dinner for the festival and was super-great at selling tip boards.  George graduated from the Diocesan Formation Program which culminated in a trip to Jerusalem, a highlight in his life.  He again applied his talents to the church as Lector, Eucharistic minister, Choir Member and Visitor of the Sick.  After retiring from AMOCO Refinery, George attended Mass daily.

George has fought long and hard with his recent illnesses.  May he enjoy peace and rest at Our Lord’s banquet while visiting with all of the saints and angels, and his family in the Heavenly Kingdom.  God Bless You!

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make Mass offerings to All Saints Catholic Church, Hammond, IN.

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