Oct. 17, 2023

The University mourns the loss of George de Lodzia of West Kingston, who died Oct. 8, with his wife Victoria Ann by his side. He was 89 years old. Born in New York City on Jan. 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Count and Countess of Romania, Julian and Julia (Meehlieb) de Lodzia.

George was a professor at Cortland College, New York, before moving to Rhode Island in the early 1970s to teach as a professor of business management at the University of Rhode Island College of Business. During his time at URI, he developed the Master of Business program and for a time served as chair of the Business Department. He received Teacher of the Year twice in recognition of his many achievements. He retired in 2005.

A world traveler and avid hunter, he touched many lives all around the world and will be remembered for his wit and unfiltered comments. Famous for his wildlife carvings and love of nature, George was a member of Ducks Unlimited and donated many of his hand-carved and hand-painted miniature ducks. He even had the privilege of having one of his eagle carvings on President Ronald Reagan’s desk in the Oval Office and carved a peregrine falcon for Queen Elizabeth II whom he had the pleasure of meeting.

There were many students in George’s long career who still remember how ebullient and helpful he was. Many kept in touch with him even after he retired and remarked on how positively he changed their lives.

Besides his wife, he leaves behind his daughters Shauni Swanson, Kyra Dale and stepdaughters Jamie Hanson, Leigh (Hanson) Schneider and Ashley Hanson plus his grandchildren Hannah (Swanson) Sneddon, Holly Swanson, Damien Munoz, Ivan Munoz, step-grandchildren Kristopher Bogue, Isabella Bogue and Sydney Schneider.

George is preceded in death by his ex-wife Mimi (Martini) de Lodzia; sisters Mona Buchanan and Helen Ellis; his brothers, Julian “Sonny” de Lodzia and Kenneth de Lodzia and two of his daughters, Indy Alexander and Ari Boulanger.

A celebration of George’s life will take place at a later date.

To read his full obituary or to leave condolences, visit Avery-Storti Funeral Home.