Dr. George Kidera, peacefully left this world Saturday, December 23, 2000, at the age of 87, in San Mateo, CA. He was born to Edward and Marie (Nadherny) Kidera, in Chicago, IL on April 29, 1913. He served in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was employed by United Airlines as Vice President and Director of Medical Services; he was also a medical consultant to NASA, as well as such companies as Quaker Oats, Dart-Kraft, and Premark International. Dr. Kidera was highly respected in the airline and aerospace industry. He was a Fellow and President of the Aerospace Medical Assn.; President of the Airline Medical Directors Assn.; Chancellor and 1st Vice President of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine; and a Fellow of the American College of Preventative Medicine. He belonged to the International Air Transport Association; The American Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons; the American Medical Association; The Chicago Medical Assn.; and the American Medical Writers Assn., contributing numerous articles to professional journals. He was the recipient of many international and domestic awards for his contribution to the airline industry. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 35 years, Marie A., nee Cuchna; and brother, Edward H. Kidera. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, the former Jean Allen; and two children of his late wife, Peter (Barbara Seiling) and Kristina (John Epstein); four grandchildren, Kerry and Erin Epstein, Michael (Wanda Rivera) Kidera and Kristen (Eric Goelzer); five great-grandchildren, Steven, William and Thomas Kidera and John and Matthew Goelzer. At his request there were no services. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Assn., or your favorite charity.
