In Loving Memory of George Nera June 19, 1936 – December 23, 2022

George Nera was born at home in Phoenix, Arizona to Virginia Yee and Mateo Nera, the second oldest of eight siblings.

He had attended Phoenix Union High School, Phoenix College, and Arizona State University, where he played football, before serving two years in the Army in Germany and Paris, France.

George distinguished himself as a bodybuilder and show dancer, earning the title of Mr. Arizona and appearing in many fitness magazines. He traveled throughout the states performing as a show dancer. By the age 30 he was the president of the Chambers of Commerce in Chandler, Arizona, and later the president of the Arizona Training & Evaluation Center (AZTEC).

In 1967 he married MaryLou Yrigoyen, Mitzi. Together they raised five daughters: Nicole, who passed shortly after birth, Nichelle, Dindi (Gingi), named after his all time favorite song Dindi by Frank Sinatra, Georgette, and Lisa. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Chantelle, Richard, Dominik, Hannah, Paige, and Hallie, and four great-grandchildren.

George was a devoted member of the I AM Church of Arizona since his early adult years and retired in Anthem, Arizona.

A funeral Mass was held January 17, 2023, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. George was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Rest in peace, George.