George N. DiJulio

George N. DiJulio, Sr. was born on March 24, 1919 and died at home on February 13 at the age of 93. George was the youngest of 9 children born to John R. and Angelina DiJulio. George attended Our Lady of Mount Virgin grade school, graduated from Franklin High School and attended the University of Washington. Prior to an extended career as a restaurant owner, George worked at the family owned business, Lincoln Moving & Storage, and later was the first manager of the Longacres Turf Club. Late in the 1950’s George, partnered to own and operate one of Seattle’s first fast food restaurant chains, serving 19 cent hamburgers in various Seattle and Bellevue locations. In the 1960’s, he partnered in the ownership of The Plaid Piper, Casa Villa, and Hungry Turtle restaurants in Seattle and the Turtle Too restaurant in Auburn. During the Seattle World’s Fair, George was the general manager of the Hawaiian Pavilion exhibit and playhouse. George was a long-time member of the Seattle Italian Club, Sahalee Country Club, St. Monica’s Parish and was also a founding member of the Seattle Jesuit Club. Additionally, George often played Santa Claus for the Seattle Seafair Pirates during hospital visits and special events. George is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Mary Beth Wilson DiJulio, and their seven children: George, Jr., Chris (Robin), Betsy Biehn (Dave), Pat (Mary), Douglas (Regina), Lisa Given (Bryce), and Matthew (Julie). Additionally, there are 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. George had been a resident of Mercer Island for over 54 years. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Monica’s Parish on Mercer, Island at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 25 with a reception following in the St. Monica’s Parish Hall. Interment for family members will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle. Columbia Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, remembrances should be made to Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Catholic Church, St. Monica’s Catholic Church, or to the charity of your choice.