Dr. George Bacuta Jr.

George Bacuta, Jr. passed away on 31 October 2020. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM, Saturday, November 7 followed by a funeral mass at 3 p.m. at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, La. Due to COVID restrictions, the wearing of masks is required. He was 66 years old. Born in the Philippines in July 11, 1954, George grew up in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. He attended Mary Heights Seminary, earned his BS in Geological and Earth Sciences from the University of the Philippines where his academic and social achievements were legendary. His work with the Philippine Bureau of Mines and collaboration with the US Geological Survey led to graduate studies at Cornell University where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geological Sciences and Engineering. He roamed the halls of the best Science Universities in the US to include performing research at Princeton, Yale, MIT and USGS in Reston, VA. George had a robust 30 years professional federal experience with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works programs. Among his many achievements, George was awarded a Special Act Award from the US Nuclear and Regulatory Commission and an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service from the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans. George never shied away from his opinions on Facebook where he garnered many friends and frenemies who will forever miss his posts in politics, travel, work and intellectual pursuit. He was also a member of the Pi Omicron Fraternity and a dear “Brod” to its members. George was predeceased by his loving mother, Lourdes; father, George, Sr.; and niece Sarah Isabel. George was a loving and dedicated husband to his wife, Dr. Evelyn Magsino whom he married in 1996. He was a devoted brother to his sisters Dr. Luisa Bacuta-Tagorda (Ramon Tagorda) and Leila Q. Carino (Carlos Carino) and brother Gerardo C. Bacuta (Dr. Leah Garguena). Also a loving brother-in-law to Rico and Amy Magsino. He especially loved his role as “Uncle George” to R.J. and Lauren Tagorda, Mark and Kyle Magsino, Carlo Carino, Katherine, Sarah and Marcus Bacuta. His encouragement to his nieces and nephews certainly brought achievements in Medicine, Engineering, Education, Finance, Technology and Mathematics. His nieces and nephews brought him happiness and hope. George’s presence moved many shaping their lives to his life of generosity, kindness and happiness. The geologist in George looked for gems in this earth to shape our warm, wonderful world through small good deeds and a BIG HEART. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .