George Iino

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sudden passing of our beloved George Iino on March 27, 2024, at the age of 55. George was a beacon of love, strength, and kindness, touching the lives of all who knew him.

George grew up in Bloomingdale, Illinois, where he enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure. From his time in Boy Scouts to playing football, baseball, fishing and competing in BMX bike races, George’s enthusiasm for life was infectious. George was the quintessential “engineer”, immersing himself in innovative projects. He was a problem solver. No project was too big or small; he built bike ramps, an ice rink on the driveway, film sets, and was known as the technology guru amongst his friends.

As a teenager, George and his family moved to New Jersey, where he graduated from Mt. Olive High School. He had a passion for skiing, martial arts, DJ’ing and exhibited leadership as the captain of the high school tennis team. George pursued higher education at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a double major in International Economics, Asian Language and Area Studies, with a minor in Japanese. Throughout college, he excelled academically and socially, consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List, while also actively involved in extracurricular activities such as competitive bodybuilding and leadership roles in cultural organizations.

Following his stellar college tenure, George followed his passion and pursued a career in international business and trade, traveling around the world. Whether he was in Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, England or the Netherlands, George made friends in all corners of the globe. He approached each opportunity with boundless curiosity and a genuine appreciation for diverse cultures and people. George would dine in the finest restaurants with clients, then seek locals for recommendations, and dine amongst them as well. George’s zest for life knew no bounds. Whether hiking up Mt. Fuji, skiing on snow-capped mountains, or cooking one of his fusion dishes, he lived an abundant life. He was culturally rich and intellectually wealthy.

George’s larger than life personality was only topped by his even larger heart! In his community of Fort Lee, George’s legacy of volunteerism and leadership was immeasurable. George was extremely passionate about youth sports and mentorship. From coaching multiple Little League Baseball teams, to serving as a Board Member for both baseball and basketball, he fostered meaningful connections and left an enormous impact on everyone he interacted with. George’s persistence resonated with former  NY Yankee and World Champion, Hideki Matsui and former NY Met Bobby Jones, convincing both to donate time, energy and share their love of the Great American Pastime with the Fort Lee community.  George’s impact reverberates far beyond the diamond. His spirit resonates in the hearts and minds of the young athletes he profoundly touched and who will grow into adults that are inspired to give to others as Coach George generously gave to them.

In all the roles throughout George’s life, above all, he cherished his role as a loving husband to Akiko (nee: Suematsu) for 22 years and a devoted father to Paige (age 18), Kate (age 16), and James (age 13). His unconditional love and support are the pillars of his family’s foundation and unwavering strength and resilience. His children learned first hand through observation, George’s selfless acts of kindness, his gentle touch of love as he massaged their impressionable hearts and molded their minds for the challenges that lie ahead. George was also a beloved son to Naoyasu and Mitsuko Iino, a dear brother to Jennifer Iino-Harvey, brother-in-law to Zeke Harvey and uncle to Tyler (age 18), Sophia (age 15) and Grace (age 12). He was a cherished friend to many, whose presence brought joy and comfort to all who knew him.

As we bid farewell to George, let us carry forward his legacy of love, strength, and kindness. His memory will continue to inspire us as we navigate life’s journey with his constant presence in our hearts. Rest easy my husband, rest easy my father, rest easy my son, rest easy my brother and my friend. We’ve come to the 9th inning of our time, the bases are loaded, your kids are on 1st, 2nd and 3rd, you’ve hit a grand slam.

The family will be receiving loved ones and friends on Friday, April 5, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Frank A. Patti funeral home in Fort Lee, NJ. Memorial service will begin at 7pm. For further information, please call (201) 944-0100.

A GoFundMe has been established to support the family with funeral costs, upcoming college expenses, and other financial needs they face during this difficult time. We are grateful for your support!