George's sister, Barbara Mendelson reported in a Facebook group called 'Highland Park High School - Our Fallen Classmates :{'
My brother George Mendelson HPHS'63, passed away suddenly in Washington, DC on May 12. George was a backstroker for Don Davis in high school, a National Merit Scholar, a sometimes golfer and a lifelong Cubs fan. He earned his degree from Cornell University, his JD from University of Michigan, and his Masters of Law in Taxation from New York University. He served as an IRS tax prosecutor for the Justice Department before opening his own law practice in DC. George retired to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he supervised the building of his Mission-style home, and later to Virginia Beach, where he continued to enjoy talking about politics, riding his bike, being near the water, and listening to Blues music. He returned to DC during the pandemic and lived there until his death. George is survived by his daughter Jessica (Jason) Cowan, his son Michael Mendelson, his granddaughter Molly Bethannie Cowan, and me, his sister.
Remebrances may be posted below and at the Facebook page referenced above.
I didn't form very many long-lasting relationships in high school. (Actually I've formed far more classmate bonds at the 40th/45th/50th/55th reunions.)
But George was one of the early ones. We had been in contact when he was at Virginia Beach (not far from where I am at this moment), and a few times this winter. At first he was planning a party in DC for HPHS'63 classmates living in the region. When we talked again he had scaled it down to an evening a blues bar for just a few. And when I called to confirm the date (November 2021), sadly he called the event off. I regret not meeting with him.
George is remembered with sadness by his classmates of the Highland Park High School Class of 1963. Remembrances may be posted on the class website at https://hphs1963.com/forum_topic.php?topicid=166
Larry Marks,
I was not aware of a Class of ‘63 memory page, so thank you for sharing my post
about my brother. I’m also very grateful for your kind words and memories. I
didn’t know George was in contact with you in Virginia. I’m glad he had your
friendship.
Sincerely,
Barbara Mendelson
Bratskima@gmail.com
George was a long time friend from Lincoln School and on - improvised baseball and football in the small park near his house stand out. At our 50th he stayed at our house and we went into Chicago with him to a blues club. Such a nice and smart guy - great story about newly graduated law student Richard Daley from his Mom. Very sad and will miss him.
Bill Gould- I remember those games too. George was my best friend in our Lincoln school days. We lived two doors down from them. I remember many good times though we lost touch after high school.
Bill Gould- I remember those games too. George was my best friend in our Lincoln school days. We lived two doors down from them. I remember many good times though we lost touch after high school.
Today is a year since my brother passed. I wanted to thank all his friends and the Class of ‘63 for all your kind words. I plan on attending your reunion in October to thank many of you in person. If anyone knows how to contact Laurie Herman Aronson, please ask her to contact me. Thank You. With love. Barb
