George Ralph Metcalf, III

George R. Metcalf, III, 88, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024, at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL with his three children and loving wife, Beverly Tompkins Metcalf, by his side. The couple was happily married for more than 58 years, spending the last 35 in southwest Florida.

George (Gerry) was born on February 2, 1936, in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Eleanore and George R. Metcalf, Jr. He graduated from Erie Day School and Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. He attended Penn State University and graduated from Gannon University in Erie, PA with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, George began his career at Erie Malleable Iron Company, (EMI) a family-owned and operated foundry, founded by his great-grandfather. EMI supplied complex castings to the heavy transportation industry for over 100 years. George was promoted to President & CEO of the company before his fortieth birthday and ran until the time of its sale in 1987. 

Professionally, George was a member of the Young Presidents Organization. He was President of the national Iron Casting Society; was honored with the William Grede Award; and was a member of the illustrious Order of Gates & Risers. As a member of The Newcomen Society in North America he was recognized for outstanding contributions to business, industrial, and institutional history, and achievement. George was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Erie and earned the Paul Harris award while President. For years George was a Trustee of Mercyhurst College; served on the Board of Marine Bank, (now PNC) in Erie, PA and was President of the Kahkwa Country Club. He was also a charter member of the Penn State University George W. Atherton Society.

George was an avid sailor on Lake Erie, competitively racing sailboats across the Great Lakes. He loved his Tartan 27’ and ultimately tested his skills on a 41’ C & C. Every boat he ever owned was named Xanadu. As his “family-crew” moved on to college, he turned his sailing love to a 46’ Grand Banks, which he navigated for several years up and down the ICW from Erie to Hobe Sound, FL at Loblolly Bay.

Retiring at 52, George never looked back, as he began the next chapter of his life. He was Deacon Moderator, Elder, and President of the Board of Trustees at Moorings Presbyterian Church and Wayside Presbyterian Church serving on several financial committees. He was a past-president of the “minor” League in Naples, on the Board of St. Andrew’s Society as its Treasurer and Fundraiser Chair for countless years, receiving the Spurtle Award, its highest honor. He was a member of Leadership Collier Masters Class II now called Greater Naples Leadership. George served as Secretary to three commodores at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club and was President of the Crescent Condominium Association Board for 10 years in Pelican Bay. George was also a Mediator for the Office of the Courts 20th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Collier County for 10 years.

George leaves behind his beloved wife, Beverly; his son, George R. Metcalf, IV; (Christina); daughter, Wendy Metcalf-Thies (Dennis); son, Michael H. Metcalf (Lindsay); and eight grandchildren, Sara and Joseph Metcalf; Patrick, Walker, Mackenzie and Riede Thies; and Michael and Mia Metcalf. He also is survived by his sister, Barbara Sayre, twin-sister, Jean Metcalf, and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the CNA’s and nurses of Orchid Terrace, The Chateau, and Avow Hospice for “Mr. George’s” exceptional care, as well as his wonderful private duty caretakers, Ralph and José.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Bower Chapel on the Moorings Park Original Campus with Pastors Matt Agnew and Emilio Chaviano officiating, followed by a reception at Seasons Dining Room in the Clubhouse. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in George’s name: to Moorings Park Foundation to benefit the Sally & Bob Fritz Memory Care/Lilac Unit, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105 and Avow Hospice House, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.