HORSHAM, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, honors the memory of George H. Duell, Jr. who was the State Chair from 2001–2007.
Duell, 87, passed away Monday, May 20 in his home with his beloved family at his side. He was the husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Kirk) Duell, his wife of 63 years last June.
Duell spent his life as an educator and in service to our nation. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel and continued to serve our county and its military members in the Guard and Reserves. His greatest honor was to be called “An American Soldier”. Duell continued his service his country, as an Army Reserve Ambassador and an ESGR Volunteer.
As an Army Reserve Ambassador, Duell receive the Public Service Commendation Medal in 2018. Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve 99th Readiness Division, Maj. Gen. Troy Kok presented the Commendation Medal at a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, Lakehurst in New Jersey.
Wes Craig, Pennsylvania ESGR State Chair Emeritus, followed Duell as the State Chair and recalled how Duell rebuilt and reinvigorated the Commonwealth’s ESGR volunteer committee. Craig stated: “George pioneered the Bosslift program at Fort Indiantown Gap and he would be pleased to see that it is a vibrant program that thrives today. He was an outstanding leader that was dedicated to the ESGR mission and our nation’s servicemembers.”
State Chair Marty Kuhar reflected on Duell’s distinguished military career and said: “George set the standard for all Pennsylvania ESGR State Chairs to follow. He was a true role model and those of us who knew and worked as ESGR volunteers respected his leadership and guidance.” Kuhar concluded by stating: “George was a true gentleman that made Pennsylvania ESGR into a vibrant and thriving volunteer committee! We were quite fortunate to know George and have him as a State Chair.”
A Memorial Mass for Duell was held on May 25 in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Palmerton. A Celebration of Life luncheon in the church social hall immediately followed the mass.