LELAND — It is with indescribable sadness that we share the passing of Jorge Vereau of Leland, NC. Jorge was born in Trujillo, Peru on December 9, 1956 to Jorge Vereau Sr. and Blanca Montenegro.
Jorge, or as he was affectionately nicknamed by family and friends, “Coqui” and later, “Spicy George”, met the love of his life in 1977 at a graduation party. Jorge was married to his beautiful wife, Heidi, for nearly 40 years at the time of his passing. Although he grew up the oldest of 4 boys, Jorge was blessed with 2 adoring daughters – Daniela and Alexandra. He built his life in Lima, Peru until 1996 when he moved to New York with his family. Over the last 10 years, Jorge relocated to North Carolina to enjoy a retirement filled with bocce, pickleball, water volleyball, travel and leisure.
Despite never learning how to smile in pictures, Jorge never hesitated to strike a silly pose for the camera. He was a good sport on and off the court, and leaves behind a hearty supply of memories to remind his loved ones of a life well lived. Jorge was a dedicated husband, father and brother, but he was also a fierce friend. Even if he occasionally grumbled about it, he never neglected a commitment. Jorge was nicknamed The Captain by his daughters (in honor of the time he served in the Peruvian Navy) but he lived the title by being their compass through any storm. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed by his girls.
Additionally, Jorge’s legacy includes three younger brothers – Carlos, Ricardo and Fernando Vereau Montenegro, who followed in his footsteps – first through the Peruvian Navy, then marrying strong, incredible women, and fathering exceptional children of their own.
Jorge is preceded in death by his parents, Jorge and Blanca, his father-in-law, Josef Klug, and his favorite brother-in-law, Peter Klug. His family takes comfort knowing he is being welcomed home with love.
Jorge lives on through his beloved wife Heidi (née Klug,) his daughters Dani and Alex as well as their respective partners Nicholas and Leandro, his perfect grandson Leo, and many “grand-pets” (whom he adored, though he would never admit it in public.) He was blessed with a large family spread throughout the globe, including his mother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew and great-nieces and great-nephew in Austria, his brothers’ wives and children in Peru and France, and cousins throughout the Americas. His loss leaves a “Spicy” sized void across borders.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those wanting to show their support can do so through a donation to the American Heart Association or a charity of their choosing in his honor.
Please, take any and every opportunity to tell your loved ones what they mean to you because life can be unpredictable and unfair.
