Joseph George Vandal

George Vandal, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, entered into eternal life with his savior Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 24, 2024. George was 85 years old. George was preceded in death by parents, Damien and Bella Vandal, sister Theresa Lewis, and brother Raymond Vandal. George is survived by his sister; Marie (Tom) Messier. His legacy will be carried on by his devoted family and friends. 

George was born in the city of Edmonton in Alberta Canada. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Roberta Anne Vandal. They met at Virginia Beach in August of 1958. Roberta was on a family vacation and George, who was serving in the Navy, had the day off. He walked up to her with a simple wave and said, "hello!" He asked her on a date and she said yes. On their first date he told her he loved her. On their third date, he asked her to marry him. There ensued one of the greatest love stories of all time. Their love for each other brought three daughters into their lives. Darlene (Tom) Lewis, Doreen (Jon) Ogden and Debbra Poff. George never lacked in playfulness and dedication to his girls. They grew up with a dad who could make or build anything. If his girls or Roberta could imagine it, he would build it. His family grew and George is survived by 6 grandchildren. Jessica (Chad) Druffel, Olivia Lewis, Samuel Lewis, Ryan (Pamela) Ogden, Daniel (Anna) Ogden, Emily (Jonathan) Lange, Elise (Leo) Martini, Nicole (Jonathan) Prows. He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, Xavier, Isabel, Madelyn & Natalie Druffel; Preston Ogden; Elias Ogden; Addison, Judah & Simon Lange.

George was also survived by his best friend of 46 years, Greg Watson. Greg would say George was his 2nd dad and George would say Greg was the son he never had. 

George also had a pup that he loved dearly. George and Roberta brought her home and named her Gracie to recognize God’s grace over George’s life after he survived Leukemia a second time. 

From 1955-1959, George proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was stationed on an aircraft carrier. 

George had many jobs but ultimately became a self-taught tool and die maker. He interviewed for a job and told them he had experience in being a tool and die maker when he had none. He learned on the job and figured things out as he went along. He memorized decimal to fraction conversions and did algebraic equations in his head with barely a high school education. He was extremely intelligent and capable of anything he would put his mind to. Realizing the American dream was possible, in 1973 he started his own company in his one car garage with one drill press. He proceeded, with Roberta by his side, to expand and operate the J & R Tool & Die Company for 35 years. He was well respected in his field and customers loved dealing with him because of his honest and ethical values. He retired in 2008 and often wore one of his favorite sweatshirts that said, “unstressed, refreshed, inspired, retired.” 

George was a member at North Cincinnati Community Church for over 20 years where he grew in the knowledge of God and how to apply biblical principles to his everyday life. He could be spotted riding the tractor for the church fall harvest party and mowing the church lawn when he was able. He was known to read, “Our Daily Bread” each day as his daily devotional. Truly his love of Christ was manifested in the way he loved and served his family and friends. 

George was a man who had many hobbies during various points in his life. Some included, fishing, bicycling, running, boating, sailing, riding a dune buggy, and working in his yard. George took great pride in creating a beautiful lawn and landscaping and was awarded several landscape beautification awards. Digging holes and trenches were one of his favorite outdoor activities. George’s favorite hobby was one that both him and Roberta did together - riding their Gold Wing motorcycle. He was an active member in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in Chapter E-2 where he was known as “Mr. Wonderful,” and where George and Roberta are lifetime members. George won many awards for maneuvering and safety in handling his motorcycle. George and Roberta rode for 30 years and tracked just over 200,000 miles while traveling through 28 states with zero accidents. 

George would say that one of his greatest blessings came through one of the most challenging times of his life - caring for Roberta these last few years of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. George shared recently an excerpt from one of his daily devotionals that read, “Alzheimer’s has given me the opportunity to love and serve my wife in ways that were unimaginable when I said, I do.” 

We all have lost a great man and his absence will be felt far and wide. We have hope in Christ that we will see him again. George was a one-of-a-kind man whose love and devotion to his family will live on in our memories and be passed down for generations.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday July 2, 2024, from 10:30 until the time of the funeral service at 12:30, at North Cincinnati Community Church, 6170 Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason OH 45040. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason, OH

If you are unable to make it to the services for George, please join the family via Livestream at the link below:

https://northcincinnaticommunity.subspla.sh/xtvf2hg