Mr. George E. Mender, 71, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. George was born in Utica on July 8, 1943 the son of Louis and Helena (Swallow) Mender. He was raised and educate in Utica, was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and Utica Free Academy. George honorably served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. On April 11, 1970, George married Karen Castelli, a loving union of almost 45 years. For many years, he was employed as a meat cutter with Chicago Market and Hannaford Supermarket. He was a member of the Meat Cutters Union (UFCW) in Utica and the Elks Lodge, Yorkville. He was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart Church in Utica and a current parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in Utica. George Enjoyed NASCAR and playing cards, especially pitch, with his friends and in local pitch leagues. Mr. Mender is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; one daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Curt Coleman of Holland Patent; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Michelle Aboussleman of Marguette, MI and Stephen and Beverly Mender of Frankfort; one sister, Sharon E. Mender of Syracuse; six cherished grandchildren, Jaime Sweet and Jeff, Holly Coleman, Justin and Brady Aboussleman and Nicholas and Alexis Mender; an adored great granddaughter., Gianna; sister-in-law, Shirley Catera of Frankfort and special friends, Nancy and John Starcher, Vinnie and Lucille Chapman, Phil and Eileen LoGalbo and Abey Ayoub as well as nieces and nephews. Mr. Mender's funeral will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Sunday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Please omit floral offerings and consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital in George's memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Mender's family extends a heartfelt thank you to George's sister, Sharon for the loving care and support you provided to George and his family. Also a special thank you to Dr. Mathew Ulahannan, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and the staff on the 2nd floor, Allen Calder Wing at St. Luke's Hospital, especially nurses, Rosemary and Gary for the wonderful care you all provided to George.