Cornelia "George" Vercheski

Cornelia ""George"" Vercheski, 85, of Venice, FL, passed away on Sep. 29, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Born in Niles, Ohio, George and the love of her life, Gene, moved to Venice in 1950 right after their wedding. They purchased a small convenience store, a Gulf gas station and a house right on U.S. 41 in south Venice and began their life together. Their business expanded into G&G Metals which entered into numerous commercial ventures. They jointly developed the Early Wynn Bowling Alley in south Venice in the 1960's. Throughout the 1960's and ‘70's, they designed and fabricated specialty equipment and props for Ringling Brothers Circus, the Hanneford Circus, the Moscow State Circus, Holiday on Ice, Ice Capades, and Ice Follies. In 1976, they refurbished rail cars for the Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial. They designed, built, owned and operated The Brickyard shopping plaza where they leased free space to what was then Manatee Junior College in the 1970's. At that same time, they ran the Travel by George travel agency and East of the Sun bookstore. George also maintained rentals in South Venice as U.S. 41 grew to four then six lanes. George was an avid reader, crossword puzzler and knitter. She loved the arts and was involved with Venice Theater from their start as Venice Little Theater at Venice Airport to their current location. She dabbled in sculpture, painting, pottery and stained glass. She loved to travel with friends and threw memorable parties throughout the years. George was also a cat fancier and gave a home to numerous strays over her 63 years in Venice. George is survived by her children Leigh, Linn and Anne; grandchildren Catherine and Rebecca; sons in law Dan and Doc; close family friend, Carol; brother Larry and his three children Clinton, Phillip and Charmain; and many dear, dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene. George wished to have a small service with family and a great party afterward for her family and friends to celebrate her life. We will do just that at the Venice Theater on Saturday, October 12 from 2 - 5pm. Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Animal Rescue, 478 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass N., Venice, FL 34293 or to a charitable organization of your choice. Service Information Date: Saturday, October 12, 2013 Time: 11:22 pm Venice Theatre Address: 140 Tampa Avenue West, , Venice, FL, 34285 (941) 488-1115 | Map