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Obituary for George J. Brass
On Friday, September 17, 2021, George Juergen Brass, loving husband, dad, opa, brother, friend, and mentor, passed away after a courageous 6 year battle against cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother Elli, brothers Guntram and Winfried, and sisters Ursula, Inge, and Gisela.
George was born on September 9, 1949 in Fritzlar, Germany. At the age of eight, he came to America along with a sister and aunt to meet up with his mother, two brothers, and sister, who had already established a home in Cincinnati. He came from humble beginnings and carried that throughout his life. George valued a strong work ethic and taught his children the same. He cared greatly for the well-being of those around him. Being a young boy with a thick German accent in post-war America was difficult. He used his experiences as a child to shape his belief that others should not be judged by anything other than their character. April 21, 1975 was a proud day for George as he formally became a US Citizen.
In 1969, while teaching swimming at the girls’ summer program at Friars Club, he caught the eyes of a lovely young lifeguard, Terri Albanese. Falling in love at a young age, George and Terri pledged themselves to each other, and were married on July 22, 1972 at St. Monica Church in Clifton.
George worked and volunteered at the Friars Boys’ Club, serving as a basketball, baseball, and swimmingcoach. The highlight of his basketball coaching career was winning the Cincinnati City Championship with his team the Friars Elite in 1972. His love of coaching basketball and his many hours of volunteer work earned him The Friars Award in 1979.
George started his career working for Kroger as a manager. After 10 years he decided to start his own business along with a brother-in-law; purchasing a building in Florence, KY. In February of 1985, the Produce Patch opened and became a beloved neighborhood market and deli for over 17 years. After retiring from Produce Patch, George made the decision to return to his first love, teaching; he taught German and Religion classes at St. Henry District High School (SHDHS) for over a decade. He was thrilled to work alongside his daughter Emily and son Eric, both teachers. At SHDHS his many contributions to the students and school earned him the title of a “Crusader Champion”.
Not only was George hard-working and successful in business; he gave so much to the community that surrounded him. He and his wife, Terri, were involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter for over 37 years helping other couples enrich their married lives. He and Terri also ran Pre-Cana classes and Evenings for the Engaged for those getting married in the Catholic faith in the Diocese of Covington and the greater Cincinnati area. George and Terri were a tremendous example of a loving, committed, faith-filled, strong couple. Many looked to George as a mentor as a strong husband and for his wisdom and guidance.
Most of all, George was a loving and caring man who thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a father-figure to many and his contagious laugh and infectious smile brightened every room he was in. He loved reading, traveling, praying the rosary, ice cream, and maybe most of all his grand-children; they loved their “Opa” dearly.
George is survived by his loving wife Terri Brass (nee Albanese); his children Emily Himonidis (Chris), Eric Brass (Katie); Evan Brass (Christine), and Elliot Brass (Kassidy); his grandchildren George, Max, Anthony, Nickolas, Ava, Eliana, Elijah, and Willow; sisters Brigitte Pacetti (Giorgio-d) and Gabriele Wolfsperger; and sisters-in-law Colleen Brass (Guntram-d) and Nancy Stutzmann (Winfried-d); brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews here and in Germany.
Mass to celebrate George’s life will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 348 Dudley Rd, Edgewood, KY 41017. There will be a visitation in the Church following mass until 1:00 pm. Internment will follow at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph New Cemetery, 4500 Foley Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Holy Cross HS Academic Enhancement Program, 3617 Church St, Covington, KY 41015. Online condolences may be left at https://www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/.
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St. Pius X KY
348 Dudley PikeEdgewood, KY 41017
St. Pius X KY
348 Dudley PikeEdgewood, KY 41017
St. Joseph New Cemetery
Address: - CINCINNATI, OH 45238George Juergen Brass
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Fond remembrances
George, Terri and Kids (the four E’s) were our neighbors for 25 years. Their kids played with our kids (Evan and Phil were very good friends). We swam at their pool many times. Emily was our very best babysitter, my girls loved her! My daughter told me that George always used to give them candy when we went into the Produce Patch; I didn’t know that! Terri, always so welcoming and helpful…
Though we have moved away and lost touch with the Brass Family over the years, we certainly have not forgotten them, and never will. Truly kind and wonderful neighbors! I know all in the Brass family must miss George tremendously.
We will remember George well; he is in our thoughts and prayers.
Always,
Wendy, Bob, Philip, Kristen, and Kathryn Larcher
Dear Friend
“George” was our dear friend.
Words fail to describe how much George will be missed. His love of God, wife, and family is unforgettable. He will forever hold a treasured spot in our memories.
George was a kind person; always there to lift a helping hand – whether it was moving railroad ties or helping with a barn/shed raising.
We will miss our long debates about God, religion, the church in general – as well as, of course, politics.
We will never forget our many “Yo-Yo” travels together and all the laughter we’ve shared because of his clowning around, his antics, and “George just being George”. These memories will always bring a smile when we think of George.
We are going to miss him deeply.
With our love and deepest sympathy, Bev & John
Thinking about Terri
Brass Family – We are so sorry to hear of the passing of George. We recently completed Pre Cana classes with Terri and George in the Fall of 2020. They were such an amazing example of a marriage rooted in respect, love, and faith. George had an iconic smile and laugh. He was excellent at correlating course teachings to his own life experiences with Terri. May his memory live on.
We will keep your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Kerri & Brennan Carroll
My Thoughts are With the Family
I loved going to The Produce Patch as a kid; the sign was always my favorite! Then to my surprise, I ended up having Mr. Brass as my Theology 2 teacher years later and geeked out over the fact that he used to be the owner! He was such a lovely human being! Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Most caring man I know
prayers for your family! After working many years for your dad, I can say I have never worked for anyone that truly cared like your dad! He was the most loving person I have met. I enjoyed every day spent working with him he taught me the value of hard work! I still think of those days often. I am thankful for all the love, wisdom and ribbing He always gave me. Prayers from my family to your.
Jill Curren Buckalew
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