George Gaylord

November 24, 1926 - February 3, 2022

George Gaylord, November 24, 1926 – February 3, 2022. “The Little Professor”, George Gaylord, 95, of Powell, Ohio passed away peacefully at Kobacker House surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa & John Gaylord, sister Mary Torchio and first wife, Mary Jo Gaylord. He is survived by his adoring wife, Peggy Gaylord, of 28 years, son, John (Jennifer) Gaylord, daughters Janet Goodburn, Susan (Bob) Cunningham and Judy (Gust) Smith, step daughter Diane Joseph, step son David (Jennifer) Patterson; grandchildren, John Gagliardi, Theresa Noble & William Noble, step grandchildren Jared Joseph, Evan Joseph, Griffin Patterson & Megan Patterson; great granddaughter Arla Gagliardi, sisters, Isabel Taglione, Helen Critser & Lorraine (Bob) Buehler, many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Special mention of Bev & Jim Gordon. George was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and graduated from Steubenville Catholic High School. At the age of 17, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy and shipped out to the Pacific aboard the USS San Marcos. George was witness to many of the iconic battles and events that led to the allied victory in the WWII Pacific theater. After the war, George earned a journalism degree from The Ohio State University and worked for North American Aviation for the next twenty years. In 1970, George followed his entrepreneurial dream, when he opened his first Little Professor Book Center in the Lane Avenue Shopping Center. He eventually opened 19 bookstores as he spread the love of books across the state of Ohio. George also founded and opened six Cookstores and two Gaylord’s Bath, Bed and Linen stores. George was a voracious reader and a fiercely loyal O.S.U. football fan. He loved to fish, dance and cook. He was known for his warmth, interest in others, intelligence, wit and his trademark one-liners, but it was his love of life and family that defined him. He was truly a gift from God. The family will receive guests Saturday, February 12th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church (1581 Cambridge Blvd., Marble Cliff, OH) followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude (https://www.stjude.org), Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) or Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org).