The owner of a long-time Palmerton variety store has died.

George J. Spillane, 98, of Allentown died Feb. 28. He was the loving husband of the late Ellen L. (Gibbons) for 71 years. Born in Lansford, he was a son of the late William & Mary (Henehan) Spillane.He retired at age 85. after owning and operating his own business, G.J. Spillane 5 & 10 cent stores in Allentown & Emmaus and Spillane’s Variety store in Palmerton, for 52 years.The Palmerton store closed in October.For complete obituary, see Monday's Times News.