LINCOLNTON, N.C. - George Lionel LaFave, 77, of Lincolnton, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at his residence.

He was born June 29, 1947 in Clinton County, N.Y. to the late Lionel Joseph LaFave and Ida Mae Cook LaFave. George was an active member of St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in Lincolnton, a United States Army Veteran, and retired as an electrical engineer. He was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, never passing up an opportunity to drive his beloved TR3 on the country roads. George was a fixer of all things (if anyone needed help, they knew they could just ask George, “he’ll know how to fix it”) and loved working on all things mechanical and electrical in his shop at home. He enjoyed traveling the great USA in his RV, visiting shrines and blessed places. George was a cultivator of grapes, a winemaker, and belonged to many square and round dancing groups. He was a member of the Triumph Club of the Carolinas, Knights of Columbus #8664 of St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, and The Guild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick LaFave; and his in-laws, Roland and Ruby GoKey.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 57 years Sylvia Ann GoKey LaFave of the home they built together; son Lonnie Alan LaFave and wife Jill of Charleston, S.C.; daughter Valorie Ann Giff and husband Tim of Advance; brothers James LaFave and wife Cathy, Wesley LaFave, Marshall LaFave, Russell LaFave and wife Linda; brothers-in-law Francis GoKey and wife Mary Lou, Larry GoKey and wife Pam, Gary GoKey and wife Rachel; sisters Evelyn McGill and husband Patrick, Grace Griffin and husband Dale, Rose Andrews and husband Bruce, Lucy Wood and husband Leo; sister-in-law Betty Loker and husband Richard; grandchildren Derek LaFave, Brooke O’Brien, Benjamin LaFave, Trevor O’Brien, Noah LaFave, and Wyatt Giff; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The body will lie in state on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 7 p.m. to Friday, September 6, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church. A mass to celebrate George’s life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in Lincolnton. Father Carlson will officiate. The family will receive prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that monetary donations be made to the family for the support of masses to be offered in memory of George.

Condolences may be sent to the LaFave family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the LaFave family.