George R. Gilfoil III
HALLOWELL – It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle, George R. Gilfoil III of Hallowell. He passed away suddenly on Oct. 1, 2024.
George was a Chef Extraordinaire. He received his chef’s training at SMCC in South Portland and worked summers at Joseph’s by The Sea Restaurant in Old Orchard Beach while attending SMCC. He went on to work as Head Chef and Head Pastry Chef at some of the finest hotels in the world including the Ritz Carlton Hotels in Boston and Washington D.C., a hotel in Sofitel, France, the Schlosshotel in Buhl, Germany, and the Excelsior Hotel in Cologne, Germany where he expanded his expertise in European pastries. He was a great leader and managed large teams of over 40 staff. He was very facile with languages and quickly became fluent in German and French. When he returned to Maine, he opened his high-end European pastry shop named GEO’S Patisserie on Forest Avenue in Portland and offered many delicious pastries and breads from his European experiences.
George retired from his chef career and attended the University of Southern Maine majoring in computer science. He went on to receive his master’s degree in computer science as well. He worked for the State of Maine in the Tax Division until his untimely death.
George had a great sense of humor and was a kind and gentle soul at his core. He loved to make all kinds of food, loved a good party, art, cooking, reading, working on home projects with his neighbor. He loved chatting with family, friends, and coworkers. He often looked to help a friend or stranger who might need an extra hand. George made friends wherever he went and had many friends around the world. He was generous with his time, loved to share his advice and expertise and was always there for friends and family. He had so many close friends and family who are very sad at his passing and will miss him very much.
George was the son of George R. Gilfoil, Jr. and Marguerite Donoghue Gilfoil of South Portland.
He leaves five sisters, Michele Gilfoil of South Portland, Suzanne Gilfoil (John Martinez) of Falmouth, Kimberly Gilfoil Lande (Russ) of Chicago, Ill., Jacqueline Gilfoil Hooker (Sam) of Essex Junction, Vt., and Kara Gilfoil Ebert (Andy) of Venice, Fla.;and five beloved nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, Dec. 8 in South Portland. If you plan to attend, please email Michele Gilfoil at georgecelebrationmaine@gmail.com for details.
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