George Roden McAleer III

George Roden McAleer III, age 65, of Roanoke passed away to his eternal home on Friday, February 14, 2025. He was born November 21, 1959 in Wichita, KS to Dr. George McAleer Jr. and Joanne McAleer. He was a resident of Roanoke and a member of Church of the Holy Spirit since 1999.

George was a proud Notre Dame alumni, class of 1982. He attended with a Marine Corp scholarship and was the highest scorer on the Marine Corp Physical Fitness Test his freshman year. On April 9th, 1983 following graduation, he married his wife, Rhonda, who he first met at Campus Life at age 16. He then went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and became a consultant and marketing specialist with American Red Cross. During his 20-year career he coordinated blood drives and created a campaign that eliminated an emergency blood shortage in the Washington, D.C. region. He received the American Red Cross Superior Achievement Award for his efforts.

George was a visionary and an idealist with a spirit of volunteerism, traits which first coalesced upon joining the World Hunger Coalition as a college student. In the latter part of life, he served as president of the Notre Dame Club of Blue Ridge, implementing community service projects as well as educational and fellowship programs in the Roanoke Valley. He served as a board member of the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment, he personally connected with as someone challenged with MS related disabilities. Additionally, he was a volunteer for Kairos Prison Ministry. George’s final contribution was to donate his body to medical science for the research of MS.

A lifelong learner and intellectually curious, George never ran out of questions. Whether it was acquiring a second major in philosophy for the fun of it, reading books and articles or striking up conversation with a stranger, he was always eager for new insight. Many of his insights he recorded in both journalistic and poetic fashion.

George found particular enjoyment in music, travel, Jeopardy, Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and dad jokes, all of which he was glad to share with his wife and children. He also appreciated scenic beauty and the concept of surmounting, two incentives which inspired his final hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. Although he already required the use of a walking cane, with the help of his wife, son and characteristic optimism, he climbed up and down the mountain behind his home over two days. He documented this experience in an article titled, “The Mountain in my Backyard,” published in Notre Dame Magazine.

In the last couple years of life, when words and strength waned markedly, George set a new record for number of firm hand squeezes and saying, “I love you,” a simple gesture for which he is most affectionately remembered.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 41 years, Rhonda; children, Heather (Luke), Halie and Brennan (Katie); seven grandchildren with one more on the way; his mother, Joanne; brothers, Chris (Kim) and Pat (Molly); uncles, aunts, cousins and friends of whom he was fond. George is preceded in death by his father, Dr. George R. McAleer Jr. and his grandson, Oliver.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Church of the Holy Spirit, 6011 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke, is assisting the family.