Dr. George Ross Corradino, 96, of Columbus, Georgia died September 7, 2026, peacefully at Columbus Hospice. Dr. George R. Corradino was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator, musician and mentor whose life was defined by his love of family, music, faith, friends and teaching.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. Anne Catholic Church with Father Kevin Braski officiating. A private burial will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 at the funeral home according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory; 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia.

George was born on February 22, 1930, in Trinidad, Colorado to Joseph and Elvera Lofarelli Corradino, Italian American parents who later moved their family to Miami, Florida. He was one of four children. At the age of eleven, he began music lessons, igniting a lifelong passion for music. George graduated from Miami Edison High School, where he performed in both the band and orchestra. While in the eleventh grade, he joined the National Guard and led a fourteen piece big band known as the Stardusters.

It was at Florida State University where he fell in love and married Vickie Camechis. They were married on August 26, 1951. George earned his bachelor’s degree in music education (principal instrument clarinet) in 1951 from Florida State University. He was a member of the first FSU Marching Chiefs and the first FSU Circus Band. He earned a master’s degree in music education (1956) and doctorate in educational leadership and administration (1975) from Auburn University thereby earning the title of Dr. Corradino.

In 1951, George joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida where he served as a drum major and woodwind musician for the band and led a combo, The Quintones. His distinguished career in music education began in 1954 as the band and choral director at Auburn High School. He also became the first assistant band director at Auburn University. In 1957, George moved to Columbus, Georgia where he made a lasting impact on music education and the performing arts. He served as band director of Columbus High School and Jordan High School before becoming the first band and orchestra director at Hardaway High School. During his time as band director, George’s advanced bands consistently earned superior ratings at music festivals. His bands also were invited to perform at the Orange Bowl, Gator Bowl, Blue-Gray Game and Atlanta Braves and Falcons games.

At Hardaway High School he and Bob Eakle wrote the music and lyrics for the Hardaway High School Fight Song and Alma Mater. In 1969, George was selected as Teacher of the Year for Hardaway. He was then selected as the Muscogee County Teacher of the Year followed by the first runner up for Georgia Teacher of the Year. George was well respected among fellow colleagues. George was frequently invited to serve as a band clinician and adjudicator for band contests including band festivals and solo and ensemble events throughout the southern states. George was a passionate advocate for arts education. He was an original trustee of the Ruth Schwob Music Scholarship Fund, which provides music instruction and opportunities to many students at Columbus State University. He also co-founded and directed the Musemont Arts Scholarship Fund.

George later transitioned from the classroom to administration, becoming the first Director of Music Education for the Muscogee County School District in 1970. In this role, he spent more than twenty years hiring, mentoring, and supervising many music educators throughout the district, helping shape generations of students and teachers. Dr. Corradino retired from the Muscogee County School District in 1990 and continued his career as an Associate Professor at Troy State University. Upon his retirement in 2007, he was named Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to higher education. Widely respected throughout the educational community, Dr. Corradino was admired not only for his leadership and dedication but also for the lasting impact he had on his students, many of whom affectionately knew him simply as Mr. C and continued to contact and talk to him through the years.

George’s musical accomplishments were extraordinary. He performed with the Columbus Symphony, conducted pit orchestras for numerous productions at the Springer Opera House and played alto saxophone with the Auburn Knights. He was the director and charter member of the Bob Barr Community Band. Along with his musical accomplishments he produced and directed the Miss Georgia Pageant for many years and directed the Miss Florida Pageant for several years.

George will always be remembered as an entertainer. Over the years he played in many combos - Knights of Rhythm, Gertrude Handley Trio, Mike Skipper band and The Notables; entertaining many people at family celebrations, weddings, dances, Jubilee riverboat cruises and more. He played tenor saxophone and was the leader of The Cavaliers Big Band for many years. George also performed with many celebrities such as Tony Orlando, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Liberace, Dean Martin, Dizzy Gillispie and Cannonball and Nat Adderly. Up until very recently George continued his love of sharing his music with others by singing and playing his saxophone at independent and assisted living senior centers in Columbus and Orlando. He was also actively performing with the Covenant Woods Choir at many events around town as well as singing in a production called Aging Gracefully at Covenant Woods.

George was an active participant in music education and performance throughout his life. He was a charter member of the Florida State University chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, music fraternity. He was a life member of both the Georgia Music Educators Association and the Music Educators National Conference. He was inducted into the National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also awarded the Outstanding Jazz Musician by the Columbus Jazz Society in 2023. George and his wife, Vickie were charter members of St. Anne Catholic Church, where he organized and served as Choir Director for over forty years. He received the coveted Bishop Gartland Service Award in 2005.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Vickie Camechis Corradino; his sister, Marie Grace Corradino; his brother Charles Francis Corradino; and his great grandson, Charles Henry Thomas.

George is survived by his four children; Denise Corradino Lentz (Dave) of Orlando, Florida; Marie Corradino Hand (Phil) of Columbus, Georgia; Michael Joseph Corradino (Veronica) of Midland, Georgia; and Christy Corradino Miller (Anthony) of Celebration, Florida. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Corradino, Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida and his sister-in-law, Nickie Corradino of Miami, Florida; five grandchildren; Lance, Jennifer, Melanie, Melissa, Carson and twelve great grandchildren; Laney, Bobby, George, James, William, Ellie, Jessa, Lucy, Lenny, Elwood, Petra and Fiona.

George lived a full life dedicated to serving others through the arts and education. His profound impact on the Columbus community will be felt for generations and his legacy will live on through the countless students, musicians, educators, family members and friends whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his cherished family. George would want to leave you with these wishes - Salute cent’anni - I wish you good health for 100 years.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor George’s memory may make contributions to St Anne Outreach or Organ Fund, 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus, Georgia 31907, or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31909; or to a charity of your choice.