Prof. Conrade joined the University’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (now the Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management in the Lerner College) in 1996, retiring in 2009. After retirement, he continued to teach in the department as adjunct faculty for another seven years.

His colleagues shared their reflections.

Fred DeMicco, Aramark Endowed Chair Emeritus: “George was always eagerly involved in our new innovative projects in HRIM. For example, George was instrumental in our Swiss School alliance; the development of HART (our Hospitality Associates for Research and Training ‘Center’) ; helped with planning and the opening of our Marriott Hotel on the UD campus; assisted with our one of a kind in the world UD Master of Science in Hospitality Information Management; and other noteworthy projects. Professor George Conrade was the ultimate team player—industry connected and an innovator who left a legacy of helping to build our HRIM department into a top 10 hotel and restaurant management program in the world. And George was a great friend, mentor and assisted many on our UD campus. Thank you for your service and friendship, Professor Conrade”.

William A. Sullivan, managing director of the Courtyard By Marriott Newark—University of Delaware: “"I had the honor to work with George when he was at the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) educational institute and later when he came to UD as a faculty member. He was brilliant at developing accounting courses and industry chart of accounts. His son was a graduate of UD as well and has a senior leadership position in a leading hotel firm. We lost a great leader and mind!”  

Born in Flushing, New York, Professor Conrade graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Brooklyn, New York, and then received a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University. He eared his master’s degree at Michigan State University. 

His career in hospitality management and education began with teaching at Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts. Later, he was part of the founding faculty at Florida International University in Miami, and he started the hospitality program at Grand Valley State College in Allendale, Michigan. 

Professor Conrade served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association in East Lansing, Michigan, before becoming the dean at the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality in Chur, Switzerland.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathleen (Carrow) Conrade, and their four sons: Stephen Conrade and Aileen Tan of Asheville, North Carolina; Sean Conrade of East Lansing, Michigan; Patrick and Liana Conrade of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Jeff and Corinn Conrade of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Gabe, Aidan, Marcella, Mackenzie, Jase, and Carter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, where friends may meet with the family for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Professor Conrade’s name to The Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids or to the University of Delaware Paul E. Wise Scholarship Fund.

To read his complete obituary or leave online condolences, visit Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Service.