George Lempenau was born on December 30, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to Leonard Lempenau and Dorothy Lempenau (née Gallagher). He graduated from Kensington High School and attended the University of Buffalo. After college, he went to work for Westinghouse Electric Corp., moving from department to department to master the inner workings of the entire factory. After a few years, he transitioned into auto parts sales, traveling across New York state and Pennsylvania. A year later, he began selling air compressors, a career that took him all across the country. George possessed a naturally persuasive spirit; as the old saying goes, he truly could sell ice to an Eskimo.

Simultaneously, George ventured into real estate. He purchased his first five-unit rental property in Cheektowaga, New York, in 1975—the same year he married the love of his life, Jonica "Johnny" Jack. The newlyweds moved right into the building. Over the years, George expanded his real estate portfolio to around 30 units, including properties in Amherst, New York, taking pride in handling all the repairs and maintenance himself whenever possible.

After vacationing in Florida in the late 1980s, George and Johnny decided they wanted to own a campground there. Their sons, Lenny and Andrew, were fully on board with the idea, eager to escape the never-ending Buffalo winters. Following a dedicated search, they purchased the KOA Peace River Campground in Arcadia, Florida, in 1992. The family successfully runs the campground to this day, with Johnny semi-retired, Lenny and Summer, and Andy and Debbie managing operations. Now, the grandchildren are beginning to step in as they reach working age.

Despite working long hours, George always made time for recreation. He loved his little red Corvette, pushing it to its limits while auto racing at tracks around Buffalo and Ohio. He was also an avid bowler, a passion he continued long after moving to Florida. George loved to travel, once driving his motorhome all the way from Florida to Alaska alongside his wife, two boys, and three dogs—a journey remembered as the best trip ever.

Locally, he was a regular fixture at the Commissioners' meetings in Arcadia. The board members would surely give a fond, inward groan whenever they saw him walk in wearing his signature red shirt, suspenders, and boots. George was deeply active in campground life, joyfully organizing dog shows, Halloween events, Christmas parades, Thanksgiving dinners, and holiday parties. He also held several positions in Campground Owners’ Associations and RV-related businesses, building a vast network of lifelong friends along the way.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Johnny; his son Lenny and wife Summer, and granddaughters Soleil and Linleigh; and his son Andrew and wife Debbie, and granddaughters Layla and Alice. He also leaves behind Jon Jack of Tonawanda, New York, who was a massive part of his life; Matt Surowiecki of Seattle, a dear Army buddy; and Dick Sickler, a cherished friend since infancy. George will be deeply missed and happily remembered by countless friends, relatives, and campers who will forever laugh about the many good times they shared.

The family of George invites you to join them in honoring his memory on Wednesday, August 12th. A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM at Ponger-Kays Grady Funeral Home (50 N. Hillsborough Ave, Arcadia). Immediately following, a casual reception with heavy appetizers will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Arcadia Elks Lodge (1028 W. Oak St). Attire is completely casual, and guests are warmly encouraged to wear a touch of red, which was George’s favorite color.