George T. Eden's Obituary
Dr. George T. Eden died peacefully yet unexpectedly on January 9, 2026, at the age of 94. Born May 29, 1931 in Whitaker, Pennsylvania, he grew up during the depression surrounded by family and friends, never knowing want or deprivation. He was a happy lad with an imagination; his nickname as a child was "Weaver-Winder".
He met his wife, Lois Hillman, at Munhall Area High School where they began a lifetime of adventure. He played the clarinet in the high school band and in a small dance band, leaving Lois to sit in the audience. After high school, with the choice of music school or college, he chose to attend Penn State on an NROTC scholarship, where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in metallurgy.
He began his Navy career in 1953 as a line officer, serving for three years and traveling the world during a time when America was still a country that was respected and admired. After serving his required duty term , he opted to return to civilian life. He was accepted into Harvard's MBA program, and also University of Pittsburgh's School of Dentistry. Remembering his childhood in Whitaker, and his family, he opted to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and chose to become a dentist. He began his dental education, married Lois, and settled in Whitaker for the next four years.
During dental school, he and Lois had their first of three children, Robin. Then came Anne, and George Jr. George re-enlisted in the Navy after dental school, and over the next 17 years the Eden family lived a Navy life, moving and settling into a new home and making new friends every two years. They lived in Charleston, SC, Annapolis MD, Norfolk VA, Ann Arbor MI, Greenock, Scotland, Key West FL, Waterford CT and Washington DC. During his career, George became well known in the field of dental materials for his research and applications. George retired from the Navy in 1977 with the rank of Captain, and became the Director of Research at Dentsply, International, in York PA. He and Lois settled there and lived together until Lois' death in 2000.
George moved to Sewickley, PA in 2004 to be closer to his daughters. He made his home at Masonic Village in Sewickley, for the next 22 years. And while George became increasingly immobilized due to a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, he still enjoyed dinners out, family
parties, cocktail hour with the Dewars Club, the stock market saga, and Clint Eastwood movies. He never complained about his plight and was engaged with his friends, family and caregivers until the very end.
George was predeceased by his mother, Janet Mae Eden, his father John W. Eden, his wife Lois V. Eden and his son, George T. Eden, Jr. He is survived by his daughters Robin Eden Kifer (Stephen) and Anne Eden-Wentz, both of Sewickley, PA, and his grandchildren Andy Kifer of Brooklyn NY, Claire Kifer of Bellevue PA, Taylor Eden of New York, NY and Kerri Eden of Rochester, NY.
There will be a graveside memorial service scheduled in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Village / Sewickley Employee Appreciation Fund, Operation Smile, or The Wounded Warrior Project , to honor George's life.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?