Obituary of George J. Wanat, Jr.

TUSCON, AZ George Wanat, Jr., age 75, died December 13, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. George, who had been a resident of Westport, CT for most of his life and a graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School and Sacred Heart University, moved to Tucson in 2017 for retirement. He is survived by his daughter, Deirdre Wanat Morales, her husband Jose and their daughter Claudia Marie, of Flemington, New Jersey; and his son, George James Wanat of Southport. George is a veteran of the Vietnam War who proudly served in the Marine Corps and is a Purple Heart recipient. He maintained his connection to the USMC throughout his life, attending annual reunions and supporting several veterans groups and causes. George was also a fitness enthusiast and an avid cyclist who could often be found biking near Compo Beach. He was a friend of Bill W. for over 40 years and helped countless members of the community on their journey to sobriety. George was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary (Kondub) Wanat, his brothers, John Wanat and William Wanat, and sister, Arlene Sabia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m. in St. Luke Church in Westport. Committal, with military honors, will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME of EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Road.