George E. Kunz, a 60-year resident of Pacific Palisades, went peacefully at the age of 99 to join his beloved Cora on Sunday, September 8.
Born in Turkey as a Swiss citizen, George relocated as a youth to Zurich, where he became a mechanical engineer and first met his future wife, Cora. George flew fighter planes for the Swiss military while Cora studied in the U.S. for six years during World War II. Finally reunited in 1946 in Paris, the couple married and lived in Zurich, Switerzland, before moving to Washington, D.C., where George had been invited by the U.S. Navy to work in ordnance development.
In 1953, George moved his young family of four to the West Coast to begin a 26-year career in aerospace while settling into a home on Fiske Street in Pacific Palisades where he resided the rest of his life.
George and Cora introduced their daughters to tide-pooling in Paradise Cove, flying kites at the park, hiking in the then-uninhabited foothills, skiing in the Sierras and locally. They learned square dancing at the Palisades Community Center and played bridge with neighbors. And they introduced their friends to Swiss cheese fondue with the critical yet then little-known component, white wine! George greatly enjoyed playing tennis, and attending Palisades Symphony concerts and Theatre Palisades productions over many years with Cora.
George and Cora were fortunate and grateful for the continued friendship and support of their Fiske Street neighbors, and for the care and companionship over their final eight years of Kristi Olmos.
He leaves behind their two daughters and their families: Marie (Meieli) and Bill Hoffman of Washington D.C., grandchildren Kathryn (and Ben Young), Matt and Teri, and great-grandson Ethan, with another on the way; and Stephanie (Steffi) and Jeff Brinker of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and granddaughters Lina and Sonja.
A small gathering of family and friends celebrated George’s life on September 15.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
