George J. Pulver Jr.

1943 - 2015

The Honorable George J. Pulver, Jr. CATSKILL- The Honorable George J. Pulver, Jr., age 71 years, of Catskill, N.Y., passed away on Aug. 27, 2015. He was born on Nov. 3, 1943, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the son of the late George J. and Martha (Walsh) Pulver. Judge Pulver is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Michele Bouchard Pulver; his children, Joshua (Adele Abide), Elizabeth, and Alexandra (John Bassett); sisters, Jean Hague and Madelyn Jennings; and his four grandchildren, Alexander, Olivia and Bennett Pulver and Jack Bassett. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport (B.S.) in 1966 and Albany Law School of Union University (J.D.) in 1969. He moved to Catskill in 1969, and was employed by the law firm of Fray, Bagley and Chadderdon (1969-1971), the law firm of Bagley, Chadderdon, Pulver and Stiefel (1972-1978), and was Senior Partner at the Law Firm of Pulver and Stiefel (1978-1995). He received the Martindale Hubbell highest rating by distinguished lawyers as to legal ability. Judge Pulver was admitted to practice by The New York State Bar 1969, Federal District Court-Northern District 1969, Federal District Court Southern District 1969 and also The United States Supreme Court in 1972. He held public offices (Elected and Appointed) including Police Justice, Village of Catskill (1970-1971), Assistant District Attorney (1971-1972), Public Defender (1972-1973), and County Attorney (1974-1995). Judge Pulver was County, Family and Surrogate’s Court Judge (Jan. 1, 1996 to Dec. 31, 2013). He was also acting Supreme Court Justice (April 2005 to December 2013). As well as having a distinguished professional career, Judge Pulver was an accomplished golfer, including being a NYS Junior Champion. He excelled at downhill skiing and has run several marathons. He had a thirst for knowledge and adventure and was a tireless promoter of Catskill and Greene County. He was a student of local history and had the highest respect for the American legal system. His involvement in the recent restoration of the Greene County Courthouse is a testimonial to his reverence for the justice system and his belief that the building is a symbolic anchor of the community, which must be preserved. Judge Pulver had a great passion for his family, his creative projects, news, politics, and travel. He was a captivating storyteller, photographer and beekeeper as well. One of his greatest pleasures was mowing the lawn while contemplating upcoming challenges, his place in the universe and planning for his next project. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross Street, Cairo, N.Y., 12413. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfu neralhomeinc.net. As per Judge Pulver’s wishes, private cremation services were held. The family will be receiving callers at a celebration of his life at their home at 40 Tanglewood Lane, Catskill, on Monday Aug. 31, 3 to 6 p.m. The Greene County Bar Association will be holding a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Community Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, N.Y. 12414.