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Dr. George Anthony Florentine passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and family by his side on Nov. 9, 2017. George was born in Everett, Massachusetts, on June 19, 1926, the son of police officer Anthony, and Mabel Florentine.

He was preceded in death by his brother Charles, and his sister Doris (Gibson). George was the beloved husband of Toni (Antoinette) (Vece), sharing 71 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Barbara Florentine of Branford, George Jr. (Margaret) Florentine of Braintree, Massachusetts, Wendy (Oscar) Parente of Orange, Richard (Janice) Florentine of Madison, and James (Helen) Florentine of Woodinville, Washington. George was a proud and loving grandfather of thirteen grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Dr. Florentine attended Everett High School in Massachusetts, where he participated in all sports and was captain of the football and basketball teams. George was selected by the sports writers in Massachusetts as an All American Guard. George was also chosen to play in the Annual All Star Game of Massachusetts, which was held in Manning Bowl in Lynn, Massachusetts.

During World War II, George joined the US Marine Corps at the age of seventeen. While serving with the Marines on Guadalcanal, he was selected for officer training. He was sent back to the states and attended Yale University for reserve officer training. At Yale, George played varsity football and earned three major Y’s. He also played intercollegiate basketball. Upon graduating from Yale, Dr. Florentine furthered his education, graduating from Tufts Dental School and Columbia Graduate School of Orthodontics. George and Toni chose Branford as their home to raise their family. Here George practiced orthodontics for thirty years. He served as member of the Branford Board of Education.

He was a member of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, Branford, the Country Club of Apopka, Florida, and the Legacy Club, Port St. Lucie, Florida.

George was a member of the American Dental Association, the New Haven Dental Society, the American Orthodontic Association, and the North East Orthodontics Society. Dr. Florentine was a co-founder of the Shoreline Dental Society and served as the second president. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.

George loved his garden, dogs, and reading history. He had a quick wit and loved to share a funny story. George was an ardent sports fan. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox. George had four holes-in-one while playing golf. He coached the girls’ basketball (George’s Angels) and won the Branford Kinney Tournament, and coached St. Theresa’s Parish Basketball Team.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Nov. 15 at St. Mary Church in Branford. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford, with Military Honors.

The family wish to thank Connecticut Hospice, Rosa, Frederico, and especially Cheryl for their loving care of George.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.