George Fasic

George Wilson Fasic, 90, of West Chester, PA, passed away September 29, 2021.

Born February 18, 1931 in Lewistown, PA, he was the son of the late George Gardner and Esther M. (Edwards) Fasic (Walley).

George was a 1949 graduate of Mt. Penn High School in Reading, PA. He graduated from Penn State University (B.S. Geography) in 1957 and received his Master’s Degree from Columbia University (Urban Planning) in 1962.

He served as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army during the Korean War (stateside), attaining the rank of Corporal.

George retired from the Chester County Planning Commission (PA) in 1995, having served as the Executive Director since 1976. Previously, he served in similar roles for the Bucknell University Institute for Regional Affairs, Berks County Planning Commission (PA), and Rockland County Planning Commission (NY). After retiring from Chester County, George taught at West Chester University, retiring from that role in 2015. In addition, he taught at various times for Bucknell University, Susquehanna University, Penn State University, Albright College, the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs, the Pennsylvania Boroughs Association, and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Education Institute.

George maintained a private consulting practice as well and served on a number of boards, task forces, and commissions and volunteered his time with many organizations related to his role as a Professional Planner. Professional affiliations included the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, the Community Association Institute, the Urban Land Institute, and the Philadelphia Geographical Society. George authored and co-authored numerous County and Municipal Comprehensive Plans, Regional Transportation Plans, Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances, instructional materials, and research reports.

George was a member and Trustee of First Presbyterian Church in West Chester where he was active with the Building and Maintenance Committee, the “Dinosaurs” Group of retired planning directors, Chester County 2020, and Coniston Residential Association “Keep Coniston Beautiful.”

He was an active and enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved hiking, birding, and spending time in nature. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, including being an avid tennis player and member of the Chester County Planning Commission softball team. One of his greatest joys was driving his Farmall Cub tractor around the grounds of Fox Hollow, the cabin and property he and Nancy owned in Snyder County, PA.

George was the beloved husband, for 62 years, of Nancy Jane (Hinkle) Fasic; loving father of G. Kevin Fasic (Sherry) and Karen A. Schwarz (Perry); adoring grandfather of Emily Fasic, Matthew Fasic, Kyle Schwarz, Ethan Schwarz, Matthew Lawton (Anna), and Andrew Lawton (Shiva); and caring great-grandfather of Meiling and Tao Lawton. He was predeceased by his siblings: Robert Fasic, Doris Miller (Edward), and Ann Wiegand (John). Nieces and nephews included Linda Pinkasavage (John), Barbara Miller, Barry Miller (Amy) and their children Rachael and Andrew Miller.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service 11:00 AM Friday, October 8, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner St, West Chester, PA. Please note that masks are required during the service. Parking will be limited at the Church, and visitors are encouraged to park at the High Street Parking Garage or the Justice Center Parking Garage.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the George Fasic Planning Endowment, supporting students majoring in Geography & Planning at West Chester University, checks payable to the WCU Foundation, Memo: George Fasic, 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. Online gifts may be made at https://www.wcufoundation.org/tribute-gifts/ , using the endowment fund name or number 2225-802 or to First Presbyterian Church at the address above.