George Samuel Frost, 88, of Butler, passed away peacefully following health complications on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital.

He was born June 13, 1937, in Charleston, S.C., to George and Gretta Davis Frost.

In 1959, George graduated with a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education from Xavier University of Louisiana, where he met his beloved wife, the late Ella J. Frost. He briefly taught physical education before enrolling in postgraduate physical therapy/occupational therapy training at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University.

George and Ella married Feb. 27, 1960 and shortly thereafter relocated from New Orleans to Butler. Together they raised five children, Carla, Dionne, Kevin, Douglas and Karen.

George began his career as a corrective therapist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Butler in 1960. He progressed through the ranks to become head of the physical therapy department. He mentored young therapists and was highly respected by colleagues and patients. He retired in June 1994 as the chief of staff to the medical director.

After retirement, George enjoyed traveling, golfing, spending time on a pontoon in East Brady, attending sporting events and being a grandfather. He continued to serve on several community boards and committees.

George was a member of All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, and for many years was very active in the Cana Club with his wife, Ella.

George was a founding member and president emeritus of the Butler Chapter of the R.O.O.H.T. (Royal Order of Holy Turtles). He never missed an opportunity to ask card-carrying members, “Are you a Turtle?” and he enjoyed the comradery associated with membership.

He was a Little League Baseball coach during his sons’ playing years. He loved winning, but loved even more teaching the kids sportsmanship, teamwork and little life lessons. George helped establish the Butler Catholic School Athletic Association and the Butler Basketball Boosters Club. He was a former president of the Butler Quarterback Club and for several decades was a prodigious ad seller for the organization’s annual program booklet. He enjoyed the fellowship of running around Butler collecting those ads and checks from local businesses. He was honored for his service and contributions to the Butler high school basketball programs with “George Frost Night” in January 2008.

He also served on the board of directors of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Center and he was a Butler County Sports Hall of Fame board member. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and he was the recipient of numerous awards, recognition and commendations for his professional and volunteer service, including the Butler County Samaritan of the Year Award.

George was the “Commissioner” of his neighborhood, where each Memorial Day weekend for decades he, rain or shine, kicked off the summer with a barbecue picnic with proper opening ceremonies at noon. His Christmas Eve daytime open house extended into Christmas Eve night, and it was a stop for many friends and neighbors before heading to midnight Mass. He relished the simplicity and, oftentimes, the spontaneity of his brand of hospitality, whether in his backyard or around the dining room table.

When he hosted his epic 50-Hour Party in his backyard to celebrate the milestone of his 50th birthday, hundreds of family members and friends attended over the course of three days, many showing up each day. Those “super guests” received a custom T-shirt — “I Survived Frosty’s 50th.” For the past 38 years, George donned that T-shirt on his birthday.

His gregarious personality and signature white handkerchief wave became a staple at Preservation Hall Jazz Band concerts, Mardi Gras parties and at every wedding of family and friends when he hit the dance floor.

George was passionate about sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. For years, he attended games and enjoyed tailgating in the infamous 5-I section of the parking lot. There was a routine to loading up the motor home, driving up Delaware Drive to pick up his co-pilot, the late John Schrott, who was Mayor of the Neighborhood, and arriving at the parking lot gate hours in advance of game time. George had a ritual to unloading the motor home and the tailgate setup, replete with themed table centerpieces created by his wife, Ella. It was a must-stop for many Butler folks and fans from all over. It became so well-known that KDKA-TV personality Larry Richert conducted an evening news segment from within the motor home and concluded the interview by having George provide the weather report.

The front door at the Frost house was always open. George especially enjoyed engaging with young people, providing them with wisdom and counsel without them even realizing it. He loved his family unconditionally, and set an example of hard work, integrity, helping others and enjoying the pleasure of each other’s company. George was a loyal friend to many and a trusted community resource throughout Butler. Many a meeting was held around his dining room table or in his backyard. Outside of his family, depending on the relationship one had with George, he was warmly known as either Frosty, Jack or Geo. But the moniker most socially referenced was “Champ.”

George always said that growing old is not an option, but it is a privilege. Even as his health status changed over the years, he embraced those limitations but did not limit his zest for life.

He is survived by his daughters, Carla, of Pittsburgh, Dionne, of New Orleans, La., and Karen, of Butler; and his son, Douglas and his wife, Janet, of Butler. He will be lovingly remembered as Pop-Pop by his beloved grandchildren, Lexis and her husband, Ali, of Pittsburgh, Connor, of Pittsburgh, and Colton, of Butler, whom he thoroughly enjoyed watching as they grew up to become the young adults they are today. Fondly known as Uncle or Cousin Jack to his nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, the many memorable times they spent together will be cherished.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella J. Julian Frost, with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage and many life blessings; his son, Kevin; his parents; and his brother, Robert.

FROST — Family and friends of George Samuel Frost, who died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at MARTIN FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating.

For those unable to attend, the funeral Mass on Saturday will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. via www.hvproductions.net/live.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Butler Catholic School, 515 E. Locust St., Butler, PA 16001, or to The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc., 110 Campus Lane, Butler, PA 16001.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.