George J. Lyons, Jr

It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of George J. Lyons Jr., known affectionately as Butch and Pops, who passed away peacefully at his home in Port St. Lucie, FL, on December 24, 2024, surrounded by beloved family. He was 78 years old.

Born on July 4, 1946, in Summit, NJ, to the late George J. Lyons Sr. and Catherine Hubbard. George shared his birthday with the nation's Independence Day — a fact that, as a child, led him to believe the parades and fireworks were all in his honor. That sense of celebration stayed with him throughout his life, and he continued to relish in the idea that the world was celebrating him right alongside the birth of America.

George graduated from Wall High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, he worked as a member of the Teamsters Union before spending the majority of his career with the International Union of Operating Engineers, from which he retired after many years of hard work.

Following retirement, George made his home in Port St. Lucie, FL, where he enjoyed his well-earned time off. He loved spending time on the water — whether boating or fishing — passions he carried with him throughout his life. The Florida coast, much like his memories of the New Jersey shore, offered him a sense of peace and adventure, and it was in these moments of stillness and freedom that George found joy.

However, George’s greatest joy was his family and his many friends, whom he considered family. He is survived by his sister, Bernadette Petzinger of Delhi, NY, as well as her children and grandchildren; his daughter, Jennifer Lyons, and her partner Robert Bratman of Pennington, NJ; his daughter, Victoria Lyons, his grandson, Masyn Riera, and Masyn's father, Peter Riera, of Port St. Lucie, FL; and his niece Kirsten Dugan-Mounch of Orefield, PA. His brother, George Reuter, and his sister, Elizabeth Lyons, predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 9, at 1:30 pm at The American Legion in Port St. Lucie, FL. A Celebration of Life will also be held on Saturday, April 12, at 1:00 pm in New Jersey at the home of Jennifer Lyons and Robert Bratman. For further details, please contact Jennifer at (848) 299-6924. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to an animal rescue of your choice in George’s memory.

Rest in peace, Pops. You have set sail on your final adventure, but your memory will remain anchored in our hearts forever.