George A. Shaler, 63, passed away after a stroke on March 21, 2026, at a Portland Hospital, with his family at his side. George was born on July 18, 1962, in Northampton, Mass., of the late Janet (James) and George Shaler Sr.
George’s childhood was unconventional and exploratory – a prelude to a life spent bucking conventions and seeking to learn more about the world and the people in it. George’s dad, Al, was a teacher at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. When George’s mom, Janet, passed away far too young, his school community helped Al raise him along with siblings Jim and Elizabeth. His summers in the woods on Kelm Lake and time on campus and at Hamilton College – including communal meals, ultimate frisbee games, a never-ending parade of interesting people, and Grateful Dead shows – were formative influences. A committed introvert, after college he solo hiked the entire Appalachian trail, particularly relishing the 100-Mile Wilderness for its steady supply of swimming holes. He fittingly chose “Curious George” as his trail name.
George carried that curiosity with him for the rest of his life. He asked excellent questions and prided himself on deep listening and remembering details about people. He didn’t particularly want to talk about himself, but he’d talk all day long about you, your family, your pets, sports trades, and local elections. And he remained literally and figuratively a trail blazer — carving his own path, enjoying nature to its fullest whether on foot, bike or cross-country skis, and painting trail markers as a volunteer trail maintainer. He brought quiet commitment and leadership to issues he cared about deeply, including justice policy and public health. Among his professional passions, he guided efforts to implement school-based health centers while at the Catherine Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy at the University of Southern Maine and in various roles in West Virginia. He had a knack for connecting with children and mentoring young adults. He served as a board member and president at both the Justice Information Research Network and The Children’s Center, where he served on the board for more than 20 years.
George gave endless gifts of service and encouragement (and dad jokes) to his spouse, children and cats. Jill was his equal partner in all things – travel, outdoor adventures, and family decisions. Jill knew from their first date that he would loyally care for her, challenge her, and be an ally as they navigated life. He had never-ending pride in Jonna and Shay, whose academic, athletic, service, travel, and social endeavors brought him joy and fulfillment. He was an avid reader, trivia sage, music lover, devil’s advocate, and sports fan, particularly the UNC Tar Heels from his graduate school alma mater and all Boston teams. His comfort in his own skin served as a model and inspiration. He leaves us far too soon.
George is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Jill Rosenthal; children, Jonna and Shay Rosenthal; siblings and in-laws, James ’81 and his wife Ann Shaler, Elizabeth Shaler dos Santos ’84, Cheryl Rosenthal and her husband Ed Blum, and Dan and his wife Julie Rosenthal; nieces and nephews, Olwen and Griff Shaler, Wallace dos Santos, and Ben and Anna Rosenthal, and other extended family members.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St., South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave. Portland, ME.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in George’s memory to The Children’s Center, 721 Stevens Avenue Portland, Maine 04103; Maine Women’s Lobby, 1 Weston Court Suite 203A, Augusta, Maine 04330; or the Eastern Trail Alliance, PO Box 250, Saco, ME 04072.
