George Fonyo died peacefully on July 23, 2026. He was 99. His death marked the end of a quintessential 20th-century American life and the passing of a man who devoted himself to his family, friends, community, and the causes he believed could make the world better.

Born in 1927 in Evanston, Illinois, George was the son of immigrants who moved the family to St. Louis when he was three. Like many of his generation, George’s early life was shaped by the great events and hardships of the 20th century. He grew up during the Depression with meager means, an experience that instilled in him a lifelong work ethic and a profound gratitude for the blessings he received along the way. His faith informed his humility and a belief in the responsibility to give back.

His parents first brought George to Sunday school at The Church of St. Michael & St. George in 1931. He remained a steadfast parishioner there for the rest of his life. George believed the church provided not only a meaningful spiritual foundation, but also an important sense of belonging and community.

He fondly remembered childhood summers spent on Lake Couchiching in Canada with his mother’s Canadian family. The relationships he built with his Canadian cousins remained a source of joy throughout his life and continue into the next generations.

As a boy, George enjoyed taking the streetcar with other boys his age to sit in the outfield and watch the St. Louis Browns play. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1944 and Washington University in 1949. At 18, he joined the Army Air Corps as World War II was ending and later served for 31 years as a U.S. Air Force Reserve officer, working as a liaison for the Air Force Academy.

He worked on an assembly line and as a salesman for Brown Shoe, but he loved building most of all. In 1957, he founded MFG, a construction supply company which he led for more than 35 years. He later worked as a product manager for EFCO Corporation, specializing in aluminum curtain walls and flat-panel cladding. Through his career, he contributed to buildings and projects across the country but was especially proud of his work in St. Louis.

Later in life, it was nearly impossible to take a drive with George without passing a building he had contributed to—and occasionally one he thought could have been better, if only he had gotten the contract.

George was deeply committed to his community. He maintained a seven-decade relationship with Washington University, serving on committees and contributing his time, ideas, and resources. He supported the St. Louis Zoo for more than 60 years and was recognized in 2011 as one of St. Louis’s “Ageless Remarkable St. Louisans” for his volunteer service. He was a founding member of the Friends Committee of the Danforth Plant Science Center, whose mission he strongly believed could help address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Giving back was a lifelong priority. George supported causes involving food security, scientific progress, and educational opportunity.

Just as important to him was building community. A natural listener and gifted conversationalist, he made people feel valued and formed friendships throughout his life. Even in his 99th year, he continued to contribute what he could toward making the world a better place.

George believed that a meaningful life was measured not only by what one accomplished, but by the people with whom one shared it. He will be remembered by the many people who felt seen, valued, and loved because he took the time to know them.

Above all, George was devoted to his family. He took enormous pride in the accomplishments of his daughters, grandsons, and extended family, offering encouragement, wisdom, humor, and unconditional love.

He will be deeply missed.

George is survived by daughters Kate Pisano (Porter Siems) and Marnie Fonyo, grandsons Will Pisano and George Pisano (Freddie Klaus), cousin Anne McDonough Baker (Hugh Baker), devoted Godson David Boudinet (Sue Wilcox), and the friends he loved.

To honor George’s commitment to helping others, his family requests no flowers, instead, please send donations to:

• The Church of St. Michael & St. George, https://onrealm.org/CSMSG/-/form/give/memorial
• The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, https://www.danforthcenter.org/get-involved/donate/
• Wash U Undergraduate Scholarships or the Weidenbaum Center at Washington University, Make a gift
• The Saint Louis Zoo https://stlzoo.formstack.com/forms/tribute_fund

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m., September 19^th, at the Church of St. Michael and St. George.