Kenneth J. George, a clinical pharmacist who had an affinity for helping people with HIV/AIDS and the homeless, died April 28 after a brief illness. He was 56 and lived in Center City.
At the time of his death, George worked at the Partnership Comprehensive Clinic, a component of Drexel Medicine that’s affiliated with Hahnemann University. In that position, he served many people with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C in a primary-care setting.
“The number of lives that he touched there is immeasurable,” said William K. Fisher, his surviving spouse. The men were together for 28 years.
George was born Oct. 16, 1960, in Bristol to Lorraine (Ulrich) George and the late John L. George.
In 1978, George graduated from William Tennent High School in Warminster. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (now the University of the Sciences) in 1983. He later returned to the institution and earned a doctorate degree in pharmacy in 1999.
George embarked on his career in 1983 by preparing nuclear medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Between 1989-98, he prepared home-infusion therapies under the auspices of Graduate Health Systems.
“Ken prepared home-infusion regimens, which helped homebound patients stay out of hospitals,” Fisher said.
George published numerous professional papers on various aspects of HIV/AIDS, including adherence to medicinal treatments. He also lectured across the country, mainly about HIV/AIDS; taught at Jefferson, Hahnemann and the University of the Sciences; and served on the advisory board for the Pennsylvania AIDS Drug Assistance Program, Fisher said.
Fisher and George met in February 1989.
“He was the love of my life,” Fisher said. “Ken had an infectious smile and was kind-hearted. That was my attraction to him. He was just such a good person.”
The men were married in the living room of their Center City residence on Feb. 21, 2015, after marriage equality was established in Pennsylvania.
“It was a very private but meaningful ceremony,” Fisher said.
In addition to Fisher, George is survived by his mother, Lorraine; one sister and two brothers. He’s also survived by three nieces, one great-niece and three great-nephews.
George chose to be cremated; there was no funeral service. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Fisher said George had a strong desire to contribute to society.
“With that as our motto, we are asking for memorial donations to be sent to the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission to support their Health and Growth Center.”
The mission offers a free weekly health clinic for homeless guests, health screenings, insurance assistance and minor prescriptions.
“Please feel free to honor Ken in your own way as well,” Fisher added.
Donations may be sent to Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 297, Philadelphia, Pa. 19105-0297. The mission may be contacted at 215-922-6400 or www.sundaybreakfast.org/.
