George T. Wolle

George T. Wolle, 92, of Bethlehem, died on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Hospice House of St. Lukes. He was born October 24, 1920 in Colesville, PA; son of the late Walter and Charlotte (Van Billiard) Wolle.

George was a graduate of Bethlehem High School and proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1940-1946. He graduated from submarine school in New London, CT. During WWII he served aboard the submarine USS Gato in the Pacific Theatre following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Between January 1943 and April 1944 the Gato undertook five war patrols in enemy controlled waters, sinking 13 Japanese ships and damaging 5 others. The crew of the Gato received a Presidential Citation.

While in Brisbane Australia undergoing repairs and restocking of the sub, George met Audrey Jackson. They married on July 3, 1943. George helped commission the new sub USS Trutta and returned to duty in Japanese waters, highlighted by the rescue of a U.S. pilot off the coast of Japan.

George was discharged in July of 1946 as Chief Yeoman. Decorations included Asiatic-Pacific (4), American Theatre, American Defense, Good Conduct and the World War II Victory Medals.

He was the husband to his devoted wife of 70 years, Audrey (Jackson) Wolle of Bethlehem and father to the late George T. Wolle, Jr. who died in 1996 and Karen, wife of Rod Apple of Aiken, SC. George will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Kathryn Francis and her husband Robert and their children, Sam and Will of Chardon, OH; Dr. Kimberly Apple and her husband Douglas Kugley and their daughter, Brynley of Tampa, FL and Kristen Apple-Dunne and her husband Kevin Dunne and their son, Liam of Costa Mesa, CA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Connell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 514 3rd Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 from 10-11 AM with a service to immediately follow in the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Visitation
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
514 3rd Avenue
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Service
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
11:00 AM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
514 3rd Avenue
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531