KIMMICH, George A. – of Grand Blanc, formerly of Fairport, New York, age 80, died Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Brookdale Memory Care. George was born in Cortland, New York on December 8, 1941, the son of the late John and Evelyn (Wheeler) Kimmich. George was Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Rochester in New York, where he spent his career teaching, conducting research, and lecturing throughout the country and internationally. He obtained a BS at Cornell University in 1963, an MS at University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1965, and a PhD at Pennsylvania University in 1968. He served as the University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, as well as URMC’s Associate Chair of Biochemistry and Director of the University Program in Biology and Medicine. Additionally, he was an elected member of the Board of Trustees at Roberts Wesleyan University in North Chili, New York and served for 16 years. Later, George assumed the honorable title, Professor Emeritus. Beyond his academic roles, he served as an investment counselor.
From the halls of universities to the halls of Brookdale Memory Care, George was known for greeting everyone. He showed interest in others and made many connections. Growing up on a dairy farm in a close-knit family, he found time to hunt for bird nests, studying nature, collecting butterflies, reading, and enjoying family picnics. He later became an avid reader with multiple interesting hobby collections. George deeply loved music as well as animals, instantly bonding with all the family and neighborhood dogs. Always game for a bike ride, George also loved walking, attracting nearby neighbors and eventually forming a daily walking group. As a dad and grandpa, he was a fierce and hilarious athletic opponent, challenging his daughters, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren to foot races and other funny contests. George was energetic, with amazing hand-eye coordination, until the end- claiming victory in multiple cornhole games with Brookdale residents and visitors alike. George attended Central Nazarene Church in Flint, Michigan, and was a former member of Edgewood Free Methodist Church in Pittsford, New York. He was hardworking, a devoted and beloved family man, and a dedicated Christian. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. George was preceded in death by his former wife, Marian (Rice) Kimmich; infant daughter, Deborah Lynn Kimmich; and brother, Leonard Kimmich. He is survived by his wife, Kristin (McCormick) Kimmich; daughters, Lisa (Andy) Philippone of Winter Garden, Florida, Kathy (Clay) Phillips of Farmington, New York; and six grandchildren, Dominick Philippone, Gabriella Philippone, Kaitlyn (Nick) Hanley, Michaela Phillips, Ashley (Dakota) McMullen and Karley Phillips; and great-grandson, Layne Ordonez.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at the Edgewood Church, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, New York, with the Rev. Doug Langford officiating. Interment will be at Virgil Cemetery in Virgil, New York. Memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
Special thanks to Pastors Doug Langford and Mark McCormick, and Brookdale Memory Care for all their compassionate care.
Condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com and keenanfuneralhomes.com.
Comments
10 responses to “Kimmich, George A.”
Just wanted to send my condolences to all of George’s family. I was a trustee at Robert’s Wesleyan University with George and remember him with great fondness. He truly was a man filled with love for others and such a kind heart. Even his picture captures who he was as a person, I am sure he will be greatly missed by all.
Loving and compassionate describes this dear friend well. He will be missed so much. I had the privilege of serving with George on the Board of Trustees as well, but also in hospitality ministry at Edgewood Church. He was a faithful follower of Jesus. Love and prayers to all of the family.
We have enjoyed our friendship with George and Chris in our small group at Edgewood. Very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was a very kind man. Prayers for Kris and the family.
I was a Trustee at Robert’s Wesleyan College along with George. I remember his infectious smile and optimism. He was a man of many talents and abilities, and always provided great insight. I will remember him fondly and his picture says it all – a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. He loved His Lord and Savior. My condolences to you all.
I remember how George and Kristen would give the Harvest time kids a warm welcome and snacks before tutoring sessions. George enjoyed sharing how he and Kristen met. He had a nice smile and happy personality. Will miss seeing him at church and hearing his stories!
Sympathy to Lisa and Kathy for your loss. And to all your family. Find memories of both of your parents over the years,
Lisa, Kathy and family, Our condolences are with you during this difficult time. We have such great memories of our families together over past the years. After knowing him since college (through Marian), Mom has fond memories of his sense of humor and many good times. We all remember enjoying his stories about his work in the research lab with animals. Sending prayers and love to you all.
My sincere condolences to Dr. Kimmich’s family. George was my favorite professor during my PhD studies at UofR and also my PhD committee member. I will always remember the very first Biochemistry lecture at UofR led by George, when he suddenly jumped five feet in the air to demonstrate to us how much energy our bodies can produce! His wisdom, immense knowledge, and positivity made enormous contribution to our development as scientists.
I worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics when George was a Profession there. I would stop by his office and we would talk. He spoke often of his family and we would talk about our faith. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile, always encouraging. A faithful scientist and saint has gone home. Blessings to his family.
George Kimmich and I were colleagues and friends at the University of Rochester. He was a superb colleague: honest, warm, committed, smart and insightful.
I send my condolences to his family. He is a loss to a world deeply in need of men like George.