George Frank Sustendal, III

George Frank Sustendal, III passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, from complications following a stroke which left him bedridden for the past 5½ years.

Born on June 3, 1940, in New Orleans, LA, George attended Sam Barthe Junior High School and graduated from St. Stanislaus High School. He attended Tulane University, where he was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He later earned his degree from Columbia University in New York City. George served honorably in the U.S. Navy, spending time aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph and at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

George and his beloved wife, Pat, shared a passion for travel, exploring destinations across the globe. His lifelong love for the water began as an avocation and evolved into a remarkable career in the world of yachting. He sailed charter boats in the Caribbean, built boats in Australia, and brokered yachts in Fort Lauderdale. He represented prestigious shipbuilders such as Lürssen of Germany and Royal Huisman of the Netherlands, and contributed to the restoration of legendary J-class yachts like Endeavour. He was also involved in the construction of Maxi yachts for European royalty.

Family and friends often said, “If there was a boat around, he’d be in it. If it was a sailboat, he would race it—even if there was no race.” From the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit to the Biloxi Yacht Club, and even twice completing the grueling Sydney-to-Hobart Race, George’s competitive spirit and skill at the helm were unmatched. He was generous with his knowledge, mentoring young sailors and always willing to discuss tactics, answer questions, or offer a helpful tip.

George was a former member of the Southern Yacht Club, The New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, Royal Tasmanian Yacht Club, and the Biloxi Yacht Club. In the community, he was active with the Biloxi Businessmen’s Club, the Slavonian Lodge, and served as a director of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. George F. Sustendal, Jr. and Mary Sue Anderson Sustendal; and his sister, Sue Cecile Sustendal, all of New Orleans.

George is survived by his cherished wife, Ethelyn Patricia Connor Joachim, Ph.D., of Ocean Springs, MS; his sister, Diane Sustendal Labouisse; his brothers, Michael Francis (Catherine) Sustendal of New Orleans, LA, and C. Don (Gerry) Sustendal of Madisonville, LA; his stepsons, Brian Connor Joachim and Craig (Beth) Joachim of Ocean Springs, MS. To Brian, George was affectionately known as his “Bonus Dad.”

Private services will be held.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of George Frank Sustendal, III.