George Robert De Lodzia

George Robert de Lodzia, PhD, 89, of West Kingston, RI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his wife on Sunday, October 8, 2023. He was the husband of Victoria Ann (Wickerd) de Lodzia. Born in New York, New York on January 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Count and Countess of Romania, Julian and Julia (Meehlieb) de Lodzia.

George was a Professor at Cortland College, New York before moving to Rhode Island in the early 1970’s to teach as a Professor of Business Management at the University of Rhode Island College of Business until his retirement in 2005. He also developed the Master of Business Program at URI and was chair of the Business Department. There were many students in his long career who still remember how ebullient and helpful he was. Many kept in touch with him even after he retired and remarked on how positively he changed their lives. He received Teacher of the Year twice in recognition of his many achievements.

A world traveler and avid hunter, he touched many lives all around the world and will be remembered for his wit and unfiltered comments. George was a lover of nature and was famous for his wildlife carvings. A member of Ducks Unlimited for many years, he donated many of his hand carved and hand painted miniature ducks. He had the privilege of having one of his Eagle carvings in the Oval Office on President Reagan’s desk and carved a Peregrin falcon for the Queen Elizabeth of England whom he had the pleasure and honor of meeting.

Besides his wife, he leaves behind his daughters Shauni Swanson, Kyra Dale and stepdaughters Jamie Hanson, Leigh (Hanson) Schneider and Ashley Hanson plus his grandchildren Hannah (Swanson) Sneddon, Holly Swanson, Damien Munoz, Ivan Munoz, step-grandchildren Kristopher Bogue, Isabella Bogue and Sydney Schneider.

George is preceded in death by his ex-wife Mimi (Martini) de Lodzia; sisters Mona Buchanan and Helen Ellis; his brothers, Julian “Sonny” de Lodzia and Kenneth de Lodzia and two of his daughters, Indy Alexander and Ari Boulanger.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in George’s name to Rhode Island Audubon Society, 12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917.

A celebration of George’s life will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Richmond Country Club, 74 Sandy Pond Rd., Hope Valley, RI.
   
The S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, RI 02832 is assisting with arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com.

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