George ‘Buss’, ‘Buzz’ L. Fillinger, 91, of Hookstown, passed away on January 26th, 2025. He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and was the beloved son of the late George Lewis and Maggie Hazel (Kemper) Fillinger. His spirit took flight in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories that filled each room.In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Keat Stewart and Martha Jane Ziegler. His legacy continues not only through his family, but also through the countless memories and stories that will be shared by those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of many years, June Adams Fillinger, whom he married on September 1, 1956, in LaGrange, Indiana. Their enduring partnership was blessed with two children, Glenn Lewis (Laurie South) Fillinger and Claudette Louise (Curtis) Lawson. George was a grandfather to Ian, Gypsy, Summer, Brandon and Blake (Danielle) Fillinger, as well as a great-grandfather to Jasmine and Grant. He is survived by his great grandchildren’s mother, Danielle Guerrini. His special niece, Shirley Harbert, provided him with care and compassion that was a source of comfort in his final years.
Those who knew George best will remember him as a man of remarkable work ethic and dedication. After moving to Pacific Avenue in Monaca at the tender age of six, he later became a proud graduate of Monaca High School’s class of 1953. During his school years, George balanced his studies with work, holding positions at Phoenix Glass Co and the local bowling alley. His commitment to service was further exemplified when he entered the U.S. Army on July 29, 1954, serving in Germany until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1956. George’s post-military life was marked by a move in 1972 to Hanover Township, the place he called home for 53 years.
George’s professional life was as industrious as his youth. For over 37 years, he was a valued employee at Pittsburgh Tool Steel Wire Company in Monaca, where he honed his skills as a surface grinder in the flat stock division. Not one to settle into idle retirement, George channeled his unceasing energy into creating a lawn service that he operated until the venerable age of 89, cultivating a loyal clientele of 33 weekly customers. In addition to this, he took on a role driving a delivery truck for the Beaver County Times. A testament to his hands-on approach and craftsmanship, George also built his family home on Blaine Road in Monaca.
George’s passion for the great outdoors was as boundless as the landscapes he cherished. A former member of the Midland Sportsman Club, he also dedicated eight years as the president of the Beaver County Coon Hunter Club. He was not only a member but an ambassador for the sport, raising and judging champion Black and Tan Coon Hounds and Treeing Walker Hounds. His love for the natural world was a thread that ran through his life. He was also a longtime member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Monaca.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan 30th from 3–5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where services with be held on Friday, January 31st at 11 A.M. with Dr. Phillip J. Huggins and Reverend John Watson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in George’s memory to the Beaver Valley Archers Community National Archery in School Program (BVACNASP) in care of his son, Glenn Fillinger.