George W. Pangborn Jr.

Bethlehem, CT - George W. Pangborn, Jr. of Simsbury, beloved husband of the late JoAnn (Langley) Pangborn, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2007. He was 80 years old.

Born in Staten Island, NY on August 9, 1927, he was the son of the late Viola (Gilbey) and George W. Pangborn, Sr. His early education was derived from the Public School System in New York City, after which George served for several years with the United States Army. This was followed by higher learning at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. In 1956, he became a licensed professional engineer in New York. On June 2, 1956, George was married to the former JoAnn Langley in Jersey City, N.J. George's working career began at Gibbs & Cox Incorporated Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in 1951. He later joined Combustion Engineering where he had served in many positions relating to design and development of specific military and commercial nuclear power plants. He retired from this position in 1985; planning to devote more time to his hobbies of woodworking, model railroading and Christmas themes. George's Masonic career began in 1961 when he joined St. Marks Lodge No. #36 A.F. & A.M. in Simsbury and served as Worshipful Master in 1971, 1999 and 2000. He also was secretary of the lodge for 12 years. He was president of the Past Masters Association of the Lodge and past president of the 5th District Blue Lodge Council. His other masonic affiliations include a member of King Solomons Lodge #7 A.F. & A.M. of Woodbury, the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Hartford, Sphinx Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., Hartford County Lodge of Actual Past Masters, Washington Commandry #1 KT and the York Rite Bodies and an associate member of Philosophic Lodge of Research. He was a member and past Worthy Patron of Hesper Chapter No. 71 Order of the Eastern Star in Simsbury and a member of Wisdom Court #14 and Laurel Court #8 Order of Amaranth, Hartford Chapter #56 National Sojourners Inc., Masonic Veterans Association of CT, Past District Deputy Association of CT, a life member of Garibaldi Masonic Club and an honorary member of Knights Templar State of New Jersey. George served as Chapter Dad of Thomas H. Desmond Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Simsbury and served as a chapter advisor for Doric Chapter, Order of DeMolay, of Waterbury from 2002-2007. In 2006, he received the DeMolay Cross of Honor. In 1978, George was appointed to serve as a district deputy for masonic district 5A and was later, in 1986, appointed to start the Grand Lodge of CT Line of Officers and was elected and installed as the 148th Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut on April 6, 1994. He was presented the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for Distinguished Masonic Service by the Grand Lodge of CT. His work and involvement in masonic activities in Connecticut will always be remembered. He was also a member of Simsbury United Methodist Church and North Church Woodbury. He was a former member of the advisory council for Troop #76 Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Farmington Valley Square Dance Club.

George is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda A. Stauff and Captain Arthur W. Stauff, USN of Bethlehem, CT; daughter and son-in-law, Janet L. and William A. Crosscup IV of Wilmington, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. and Mary (Tompkins) Pangborn of Maybrook, NY; grandchildren, Jennifer L. Stauff of Redford, MI, Kristina D. and Ronald J. Rinaldi of Jacksonville, NC, Kenneth A. Stauff and Samuel G. Stauff, both of Bethlehem, CT, William A. Crosscup, V, of Wilmington, NC, Joshua R. Pangborn of Queens, NY and Erin J. Pangborn of Redford, NY; a great granddaughter, Abigail L. Rinaldi; sister, Viola Stutzman of Lewisburg, PA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Irma and Eugene Hart of Wildwood Crest, NJ; and niece, Debra P. Hart of Fairfax, VA.

The family will receive friends Sunday, Oct. 7th from 3-7 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd., Avon. A Masonic Service will be held Sun., Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. at Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Masonic Pedi-Pal Program, c/o CT VNA, 33 North Plains Industrial Rd., Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. or 860-673-8610