Passed away December 18th, 2021.
George Rhodes Worthington July 11, 1937 – December 18, 2021 Chula Vista Retired Rear Admiral George Rhodes Worthington died from complications of Parkinson’s at his home in Chula Vista, CA on December 18, 2021. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1937, George graduated from the US Navy Academy in 1961. George volunteered for Underwater Demolition Team training in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 36, and then deployed to Seventh Fleet operations. Later commands included SEAL Team ONE, Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, and Naval Special Warfare Command. He completed staff tours with Naval Special Warfare Group (Vietnam), the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia (as a naval attache), Chief of Naval Operations, and first Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations). He retired from active duty in 1992.
George was a member of the San Diego Military Advisory Council and served on several boards. He worked on littoral warfare requirements and initiated the Navy SEA FIGHTER project. His memoir, “Runnin’ with Frogs” was published in 2018. He was a USPA “D” license sport parachutist with 1,622 skydives, an avid skier and a U.S. Masters Swimming All-American.
George is survived by his wife Veronica; two sons – Rhodes and Graham; daughter Greer; five grandchildren – Madeline, Mackenzie, George, Penelope and Rhys; brother, William; and former wife, Sydna Alexander Worthington, mother of his children. Memorial contributions may be made to the Navy Seal Foundation.