George P. Weslar

George P. Weslar
of Binghamton, N.Y.
George P. Weslar, adored husband of the late Thelma I. (Abdallah) Weslar, died Friday, November 2, 2007. Surviving him are their children, Gary, Valerie (Shaun Harty) Jerry, Joe and Bob; as well as their grandchildren, Colin and Caitlin Harty; his sister, Geraldine Hohman; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. George was the son of Binghamton Patrolman, George J. Weslar and Minnie C. (Geiger) Weslar. George worked for 35 years for the Railway Express Agency, starting on the freight yards and advancing himself as Clerk, Manager, Traveling Auditor and Divisional Operations Representative, overseeing operations from New England to Chicago. During World War II, George served his country with the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion and the 1st Armored Division in Africa, Sicily and Italy. In 1952, George married the love of his life, "My little brown eyes", and together they raised their family, active in scouting as their children were growing. Family camping trips were an important part of life. George always found time to help out a friend in need. If it was plumbing or electrical work, home or car repair, George was there with his tool box ready to lend a hand. In retirement, George turned his attention to community service. A regular and well respected attendee of Binghamton City Council meetings, George earned the reputation of being a tough, yet thoughtful, concerned citizen. George served on the Community Development Advisory Committee and was appointed to the Westside Neighborhood Development Committee by Mayor Juanita Crabb. George as well spent 20 years teaching rifle safety and marksmanship with the Police Athletic League an served on its Board of Directors. George volunteered his time for many years to the AARP, preparing income tax forms for seniors. He was an election inspector and worked on local and national political campaigns. In recognition of his service to the community, Mayor Crabb proclaimed July 23, 1993, George's 75th birthday, to be George Weslar Day in the City of Binghamton. With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, George enjoyed meeting people for a laugh, spirited conversation or an argument, for George was never wrong until you proved him otherwise. He would offer his opinion with as much conviction as he offered his friendship. George was also a man of deep faith. He prayed his rosary everyday and trusted in God's judgment and glory. Hope for the next life, not in this, was ever present in his words and actions. His secret to longevity was, as he often quipped, "The Lord don't want me and the Devil won't take me!" The last argument has finally been settled. Heaven has another resident now who will be watching over us all, sometimes with a wince, or a roll of his eyes, but always with a smile for the hope of tomorrow.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's of the Assumption, 37 Fayette St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13901. The Rev. Daniel M. Caruso will officiate. Burial will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Cemetery, Kattelville. The family will receive friends at the Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, Inc., 71 Main St., Binghamton, Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the Lourdes Foundation, 161 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. 13905; or to the Binghamton Police Athletic League, 38 Hawley Street, Binghamton, N.Y. 13901.