George Kaye
George Kaye
George Kaye was an acclaimed businessman and community activist. As President of Supreme Chocolatier, one of Staten Island’s premier candy makers, he played an influential role in shaping its image.
On January 23, 2016, surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully. Survived by his wife Evangeline and two sons Michael and George, as well as five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, he will be deeply missed.
Early Life and Education
George Kaye was born in London, England to Alexander Kaye Butterworth and Julia Marguerite – a professional singer.
He had an extraordinary talent for music, which he developed while living at home with his mother. Along with developing his piano skills, he also took up dance lessons.
As a youngster, his family moved to York, with his father becoming a solicitor. It was here that Ralph Vaughan Williams – an iconic figure in folk music – first met him.
Kaye began collecting traditional songs and dances, which he then organized. With details on over 450 tunes, he became one of the founding members of the Society of Folk-Song.
Professional Career
George Kaye has earned a place of distinction as an accomplished professional musician by touring the world with many renowned jazz musicians and composers. His performances have been showcased at major jazz venues like Village Vanguard in NYC, Blue Note in LA, and Sweet Basil’s in Chicago.
He also teaches bass at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, Massachusetts and leads a trio with vocalist Haley Peltz and pianist Paul Arslanian. The Trio performs original Brazilian music, jazz standards and selections from The Great American Songbook.
Kaye has been a long-standing member of the Fleet Reserve Association, serving as its National President from 2004-2005. Currently he serves as Senior Lobbyist and Chief Assistant to both the National President and NBOD.
Achievements and Honors
His career as an actor, comedian and humanitarian was extensive; he featured on many television shows such as The Danny Kaye Show (1963-67). Much of Kaye’s comedic material was written by his wife Sylvia Fine.
He was a founding member of UNICEF and contributed thousands of miles for the organization. Additionally, he received both the French Legion of Honour and Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
He served as Mayor of Grande Prairie from 1953-1968, during which time he made significant improvements to the City’s infrastructure with a new City Hall and Water Treatment Plant on the Wapiti River. He believed that all citizens had an obligation to contribute and make their voices heard.
Personal Life
Kaye not only dedicated himself to his career, but he also had a life outside the spotlight. He developed an interest in aviation that culminated with him earning his private pilot’s license in 1959 and becoming an accomplished flight instructor.
He was an enthusiastic baseball fan and played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1961 to 1964. Additionally, his knowledge of the game was vast; he was an accomplished second baseman as well.
He had a deep-seated commitment to charity work. He joined UNICEF, an organization dedicated to protecting children around the world.
Net Worth
George Kay was a former rugby player born on November 20, 1980 in Warrington, England and best known as the husband of pop singer Kerry Katona.
On July 6, 2019 he passed away due to an excessive consumption of cocaine. His passing shocked everyone in his family and circle of friends.
According to reports, he passed away at the Holiday Inn hotel in Runcorn, Cheshire.
Kaye boasts a net worth of between 1-2 million US dollars. He makes his living as an actor and comedian, appearing on shows such as The Sunday Show, MTV’s Strutter, Thoros of Myr and Vincent the Fox from BBC comedy Mongrels.