Donald Joseph George (DiGiorgi), 91, passed peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he was a character in all aspects of life.

 He was born July 29, 1934, in Springfield, the son of Ann George (nee Karvelis) and Jasper George. He married Jeanette George (nee Scardello) on April 27, 1957, and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2001.

 He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Jasper.

 He is survived by his children, Michele Kasten (Tom) of O'Fallon, IL, Carolyn George of Chicago, IL, Michael George (Kathleen) of Springfield, David George (Kim), of St. Louis, MO, and Douglas George (Donet) of Springfield; fiancée, Linda Wanger of Springfield; sister, Anna Paulette George of Springfield; six grandchildren, Joseph George, Allison George, Maggie George, and Elizabeth George, all of Springfield and Jeric George (Joy), and Seth George, both of St. Louis, MO.

 Donald was loved and cared for by his fiancé Linda Wanger for the last 24 years.

 Donald was always fascinated by electrical systems and anything to do with photography. He could disassemble and reassemble any electrical item invented. Donald graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1952, then went on to Springfield College in Illinois. He then graduated from DeVry Technical school and began his own TV repair company, then, recognizing the need for reliable security for businesses and homes, he and Jeannette founded George Alarm Company in 1957. He designed and built his own alarm panels in the basement and worked on every aspect of the business. He was one of the founding members of Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties.

 Don had a lifelong love of photography and especially videography. He was always the one behind the camera recording life events for the family. He invented a way to pair perfectly synched audio to Super 8 video before that technology was commercially available. He made hundreds of CD's with movies and family photos to share with the whole family.

 Donald had a lifelong love of flying and obtained his private pilot's license, flying many types of planes, including his vintage T-34 and B-25 bomber which he also displayed at the annual Experimental Aircraft Association airshows held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He also loved learning new things and received his helicopter pilot's license when he was in his 70's.

 Don's other passion was growing a multitude of exotic plants, as well as edible fruits and berries. Over the years he produced lovely orchids and other flowers that were displayed at church and other functions.

 Don and Jeannette loved traveling and made excursions all over the world, experiencing a multitude of cultures and music. After Jeannette's death, he and Linda continued traveling and had many memorable adventures. Don also loved dogs, especially German Shepherds and Miniature Schnauzers. His two dogs, Bella and Gunner, will miss all the goodies that "accidentally" dropped off his plate during dinner.

 Visitation: 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, with a prayer service at 3:45 pm.

 Funeral Mass: 10:00 am, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with Rev. Alex McCullough officiating and Rev. Richard Chiola concelebrating. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or consider donating a mass to Christ the King Catholic Church or a catholic church of the donor’s choice.

 Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

©2026 All Content Obituary Systems