George J. Abair Sr.

BARRE TOWN - George Joseph "Pucky" Abair Sr., 82, of Websterville Road, Barre Town, and formerly of Montpelier, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at Woodridge Nursing Home.

George was born in Montpelier on Jan. 26, 1929, the son of Joseph and Helena (D'Arthenay) Abair. He attended St. Michael Grade School and graduated from St. Michael's High in 1946, where he played basketball all four years of high school. He was known to many as "Pucky."

Pucky started a 44-year career with the state of Vermont Highway Department in 1947. As an engineer, he worked on the Interstate 91 and I-89 highway projects, as well as other roads in Vermont. He retired from the state in 1991.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Germany as a tank commander from 1950-1953.

George was married to Clarice Russell in Barton on July 1, 1950. Together, they raised their two sons, George Jr. and Mark, on Tremont Street in Montpelier, as well as their camp on Shadow Lake in Glover. Clare died on Aug. 26, 1991. In 1998, Pucky moved to Fort Pierce, Fla., and later moved back to Vermont in 2008 to live with his son George Jr.

Pucky was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and the New York Giants. Over the last several years, he was an avid Norwich University ice hockey fan, attending all home games and listening to the away games on the radio. He especially enjoyed playing pinochle and talking to his many longtime friends. He was a life member of the Montpelier Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars 792 and American Legion 3.

Survivors include his son George J. Abair Jr. and his wife, Mary Donald-Abair, of Barre Town; and his two canine granddogs, Sophie and Raven; two granddaughters, Margaret Abair, of Montpelier, and Sarah Abair, of Barre; sister, Janice H. Abair, of The Arbors in Shelburne; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Abair, of Montpelier. He is also survived by his cousins, Marina D'Arthenay and her daughter, Courtney D'Arthenay, of Pembroke, Ontario, Jennifer L. D'Arthenay and Kimberly D'Arthenay.

George was predeceased by his wife in 1991; his son Mark on Jan. 27, 2000; daughter-in-law Connie Abair on May 2, 1998; and cousin John "Jack" D'Arthenay on April 12, 2001.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St. in Montpelier.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, at St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the Mass. At the conclusion of the luncheon, committal prayers with military honors will be offered at the Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, New England Division, "Road to Recovery," 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Pucky's obituary.