George Lee Darooge, 84, died April 25, 2011, in Vero Beach.
He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., and lived in Vero Beach, coming from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.
He was an entrepreneur, sea captain, private pilot and traveler.
Survivors include his wife, Joan, of Vero Beach; sons, Michael Darooge and Bill Darooge, both of Ada, Mich.; daughters, Carol Samuelson, of Iowa City, Iowa, and Nancy Darooge, of Oakview, Calif.; stepson, Martin Stirdivant, of Denver; stepdaughter, Wendy Ashton, of Middletown, Ind; sister, Connie Koontz Lane, of Rockledge; the mother of his children, Helen Darooge of Grand Rapids; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Rhett Koontz.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960; 772- 567-5551; or www.vnatc.com.
A life celebration will be in Grand Rapids at a later date.
