George Elliott Kearns III

George E. Kearns III of West Chester, PA, passed away at the age of 74 after a courageous battle against chronic pulmonary ailments.

He was born March 23, 1951, in Media, Pennsylvania, to the late George E. Kearns Jr. and Wilhelmina Radcliffe Massey Kearns.

George was a proud graduate of The Westtown School where he gained a deep appreciation for the Quaker philosophy of life. This experience led him to have an innate understanding and respect for the many religious cultures he encountered throughout his life. He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Widener University.

George had a love of all things with a motor, especially vintage and modern cars and boats. He greatly enjoyed the warm months at the shore, being on the water and breathing in the fresh ocean air. He was a passionate car enthusiast who operated a luxury car leasing company for several years in his mid-30’s. He had a deep appreciation for any vehicle of high-quality craftsmanship that could live up to his need for speed. He loved driving, cleaning and maintaining his vehicles and they brought him so much joy.

George was a true patriot with an incredible dedication to protecting and serving the United States of America, as well as honoring current and veteran military members. He honorably served in the Delaware Air National Guard from 1970 – 1976. During that time, he deployed as an Instrumentation Technician repairing cargo aircraft in support of US Government activities in Southeast Asia. In the years following, he served as a private security contractor overseas. In 2001 George was instrumental in the retirement and preservation of the Battleship New Jersey (the most decorated battleship in the history of the US Navy) allowing it to be visited by the public as a stationary museum and memorial. He was honored to co-host the SPECWAR Luncheon bringing veterans together to kindle and maintain relationships. He is a life member of the UDT-SEAL Association, Navy League of the United States, West Point Society of Philadelphia, SEAL Future Fund and Alamo Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

George was very orderly and encouraged organizational skills, cleanliness, integrity, perseverance, entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency and determination in his daughter from a young age. He encouraged these skills in the many people he mentored as well. He had a tremendous gift to foster and nurture both personal and professional relationships, drawing admiration from those who knew him. He had a unique ability to create connections across multiple generations, having many friends both young and old that referred to themselves as his “FOG” (Friends of George).

George had the ambition and spirit of a serial entrepreneur skilled in Government, Sales, Strategic Planning, Business Development, and Strategy. George’s lengthy career experience includes trans-national political, business, and security issues at the highest levels. His exceptional versatility ranged from creative strategizing to implementation and operations both internationally and domestically. He advised foreign and US governments on economic and national security policies. Of note, in 1999 when the Mid-Atlantic Congressional Delegation (8 Senators and 43 Representatives), the President’s Science Advisor and the DE, MD, NJ & PA Governors started the Strengthen the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Congressional Initiative; PA Lt Governor Catherine Baker Knoll appointed George as the founding chair of the Economic Development Committee. In 2005 he was also appointed to chair the very active International Committee. George was elevated to the Board of Directors in 2008. He was very successful at these SMART assignments and also integrating, when appropriate, with his other many related Domestic and International activities. In 2010 George was Knighted by the Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of St. John, Knights of Malta, becoming Sir George E. Kearns III. In 2013 George developed MCC Worldwide, C-MCC Development Group as the Chairman and CEO facilitating multi-commodity free trade centers, in countries such as Curaçao, Botswana and the Bahamas. He also spent seven years as an official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin. In the final years of his life, George was a Senior Advisor to, and on the board of Xeriant, a technology-driven holding and operating company specializing in the development and commercialization of advanced materials and aerospace technologies. He was an Acting Chairman in the World Trade Center Delaware and a member of The Chapel of Four Chaplains as well.

Despite his considerable sickness in the end, George continued to live life to the fullest up until his final months. He enjoyed fine dining, good conversation and led a very active social life. He was always making new friends with his charming personality.

He had many favorite places he frequented often, including The Union League of Philadelphia, Pietro's Prime, La Locanda, Duffer's Tavern, Teca, San Nicola and Country Deli.

George is survived by his daughter, Aynsley Radcliffe Jameson (Ian) and Granddaughter, Adalynn Jameson; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth “Lisa” Kearns O’Brien (Joseph) and Wilhelmina Radcliffe “Mina” Tyler (Jonathan); as well as many nieces, nephews and countless near and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in George’s honor to the Michael Strange Foundation. Their foundation supports Gold Star Families whose loved ones have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country. George had a connection with this family and was supportive of their mission. Donations can be made through their website - https://michaelstrange.foundation/

The family of George E. Kearns III invites you to join them in celebrating his life on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, 3749 Bridle Walk, Newtown Square, PA 19073.