George E. DeCuir

George E. DeCuir, 96, passed away on November 14 at his home in La Mirada, California.
His joyful spirit, loving nature, and interest in people and ideas never diminished through the years. A tireless optimist, his favorite expression was carpe diem. Through his nearly five-decade career as an educator and teacher-trainer he passed on his belief that language and literature were critical to a meaningful life. Born in 1922, son of George W. and Mary Ruth DeCuir, he excelled in sports, quarterbacking his Mount Carmel High football team and practicing pole vaulting between meets at a homemade pit in his backyard. He served as a technical illustrator during World War II in the Navy, and earned a degree in English from Loyola University, and later, two MAs from USC in English and education. His faith was central to his life: before teaching, he wrote devotional readings for the Catholic Rosary Hour on radio. He was known for his talent on the dance floor and met his future wife Rosemary (Aiken) at a dance. They married in 1955, later settling in La Mirada to raise a family. George was a gifted artist, a lover of travel, amateur magician, longtime board member for Marian Homes, and a cherished husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary, his daughter Mary Elise Herbert (Kevin), daughter, Suzanne DeCuir (Patrick Moody), son John DeCure (Cynthia), daughter Rosemary, daughter Carolyn Palanca (Michael), daughter Laura and ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by sisters Pauline, Dorothy, and Frances. Funeral services will be held at The Beatitudes of our Lord Catholic Church, La Mirada, Friday, November 30, at 11 am.