George Ellinger

George "Skip" William Ellinger, 78, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021 at his longtime Cuyahoga Falls residence surrounded by family and friends. George was born on July 9, 1943 in Akron, Ohio, one of three children of William and Agnes (Madelyn) Ellinger. He belonged to the United Steelworkers (Rubber Workers), and retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber with over 37 years of service. He spent his career building various types of tires, but was most proud to build race tires used on the Indy Car and NASCAR racing circuits.
He enjoyed NASCAR, motorcycles, classic cars (especially his 1970 Chevelle SS), oldies music, gardening, and walking in the woods. More than anything George enjoyed being at home surrounded by "his girls" tinkering and puttering. He was known for being able to fix literally anything.
He touched many lives and was a surrogate dad to many people. One of his lasting legacies will be the multiple "Skip-isms" that his family and friends have heard and incorporated into their lives, including: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all." "What would Bozo say?" "Maybe I will...maybe I won't..." "Anything worth doing is worth doing right," and "Good enough for who it's for."
George was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved aunts and uncles, Norma (Wally) Coleman, and Anna (Charles) Blower.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife and partner of 40 years, Janet Ellinger (Cocklin); former wife of 15 years, Carol Hohman (Goodman); daughters, Kimberly Ann Odom and Kelly Ann Ellinger (Rob Klingelheber); grandchildren, Spencer and Alexa Odom and their father, Michael Odom; sisters, Donna Kilmire and Beverly Ellinger; nieces, Angel Shamblin, Cindy Mesko, and Tisha Kilmire; brother-in-law, Paul Cocklin of Denver, NC; cousins, Ron (Linda) and John (Sue) Coleman and their children.
The family would like to thank all the friends and neighbors who have offered support at the end of Skip's journey. They would also like to thank the caring staff of Crossroads Hospice, especially Melissa, Amanda, Jen, and Kyra (our "angel" in his final hours).
Cremation has taken place. Per his wishes, there will be no services held. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in George's memory to the Summit Metro Parks Foundation, https://foundation.summitmetroparks.org/donate-in-memory-honor/ . Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.