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Alfred George Obituary
ITHACA - Alfred "Otsie" George, 77, died peacefully at his home on Friday, October 3, 2008, following a lengthy battle with heart disease. He was born in Myers, NY, son of the late Abraham and Helanie Moses George.
Otsie graduated from Lansing High School in 1949 and received both his BA and MS from Ithaca College. A veteran of the United States Army, he served from 1952-1953 in the Korean War. He taught Physical Education at Newfield High School from 1966 until his retirement in 1991. While at Newfield, he started the wrestling program and coached baseball, football, and track and field. An avid horseman, Otsie spent many of his retirement summers working at Saratoga Race Course.
Otsie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty J. Spott George; his daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and James McGrath of Bethany Beach, Delaware; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Kelly George, and grandson, Cade George of Ashburn, Virginia. He is also survived by his brothers, Casper (Anna) George of Glens Falls, NY, and Marion (Linda) George of Lansing; and nieces and nephews, including Gary, Regina, William and Daniel George. In addition to his parents, Otsie was also predeceased by his brothers, Abraham George Jr. and Nicholas George.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Otsie's memory may be made to Hospicare or to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alfred George
October 9, 2008
October 9, 2008
Amy Schwoeble
October 8, 2008
Otsie's family...he was a great coach, dear and kind man. Sorry to hear of his passing. Fond memories of being his varsity baseball score keeper, and driver's ed., with trips to Cornell's Dairy Bar.
Amy Schwoeble, class of 1981
Belmont, NC
Wayne McIntyre
October 8, 2008
George Family
I was sorry to hear of Coach Georges passing. He was always a caring gentleman who encouraged us to act respectfully to each other while in class. We taxed his self-control at times, but he loved all his students despite our annoying behaviors... I am sure that through his example, and guidance he helped many kids turn into the good citizens they are today..
I share your loss.
Newfield Class of 71
John Ciaschi
October 8, 2008
Dear Betty, Jeff, & Sheila,
We are so very sorry for the loss of Otsie. Words can not express our deepest sympathy for your family. Otsie was such a kind man, and will be missed by all. Please know we are here for you, if you need anything please let us know. Otsie was such a proud man, and what a lovely family he has to be proud of. No words can express the sorrow we feel for your family, for the pain is too deep. May god bless you, and carry you through this difficult time. You are all in our prayers. Love, John, Leslie and family (Ciaschi)
Sam Norman
October 7, 2008
Dear Betty, Sheila and Jeff,
Nancy and I are saddened to hear of Otsie's passing. My brother Jab called me.
Otsie and I go back a long way, through elementary and high school and Kiwanis League.
I remember walking from Portland Point to Myers so many times, stopping in at his father's store and eating a balony sandwich and having a cold soft drink, shooting baskets with Otsie, Dickie and Bobby and talking about sports.
My yearly visits back East always included driving through Myers past Otsie's original home and the grocery store, and making contact with Otsie. He was our daughter's Godfather. Nancy and I admired the way he associated sincerely with so many people. Otsie and I spent our working lives in the same profession.
Your family and Otsie are in our prayers. God Bless.
Robert Hoffman
October 7, 2008
I remeber coach George from Newfield-He started the wrestling program there and I joined the team. He was a great guy !
Years later, I ran into him in Washington DC at the Nationa Zoo !
Jamie Westmiller
October 6, 2008
Coach George will always be remembered for the way he treated people. He was a kind, loving person and my memories of him in our school's gymnasium teaching us the proper way to play sports will not be forgotten. I will miss you Coach!!!
Heidi (Solomon) Noggle
October 6, 2008
Betty, Sheila and Jeff,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Otsie making me laugh, and hanging out with my Dad. You know they are in heaven handicapping those horses.
Hiliary Humble
October 6, 2008
Coach George was the best! Everytime I saw him at Wegman's, Leo's picking his lotto numbers or at a sporting event we chatted and hugged. I will forever remember his enthusiasm, sweet voice and great hugs!! It was amazing that he remembered all his students. He will be missed!
Richard David
October 6, 2008
Dear Betty, Sheila and Jeff.
Please accept my deepest sympathy over the passing of Otsie. Of course with my dad being one of his life long friends I got to spend a lot of time around him in my early years. He was one of my all time favorite people. He always had a way of mentoring young guys whether it was coaching or just giving fatherly advice. I know he struggled with his health for a long time and he is finally at peace. Otsie was always like an uncle to me and he will remain in my memories daily.
Sincerely,
Richie David (Jr.)
Julia Tennant, Newfield High School, Class of 1994
October 6, 2008
I remember "Coach George", all the way back from my first day in Kindergarten when I had him for Gym class. I would often see him at Wegmans or around town after he retired. He was always so friendly and he will be missed very much.
anna isaac reed
October 5, 2008
My love and respects are with you. Anna Issac Reed
Kathie and John Borkowski
October 5, 2008
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you all. What an honor to have known him and enjoyed his wonderful smile!! A special hug to you Sheila . . . I am thinking about you :) Much love, "Parker"
Sandy Cook
October 5, 2008
Betty and family,
I'll miss not running into Al at Wegman's and hearing the latest on the horses. He was always such a joy to talk with. Al was kind enough to give my daughter, Lori, a ride to and from school for a couple of years when she commuted from Ithaca. They remained friends and enjoyed visiting whenever Al would come into Sal's or she would run into him around town.
Otsie was a good man and he will be missed by everyone.
Roberta (Wood) Barnett
October 5, 2008
Betty, Jeff and Shiela, I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
BILL CAMPBELL
October 5, 2008
HE WAS MY FRIEND AND WONDERFUL NEIGHBOR BILL CAMPBELL
Linda George-Harrington
October 5, 2008
Dear Betty, Sheila, Jeffrey,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Otsie. I remember as a youngster, visitng my grandmother (Jenny Moses) in Ithaca, Otsie would pick me up to spend time at your house. Sheila and I would play together all day, and I'd stay for one of Betty's delicious meals!
You all always made me feel so at home. The George's are a great family. Thanks for the fond memory. God bless you and keep you.
cousin Linda George-Harrington
Cindy Norman Carbo
October 5, 2008
Betty, Sheila and Jeff,
We were so sorry to hear of Otsie's passing. I haven't been in touch as much as a goddaughter should, but I felt priviledged to see all of you at Hopkins last year. I have a picture of Otsie holding my oldest son when he was a baby that I will always cherish. Otsie was so kind, loving and genuine. Our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our prayers.
Memory eternal!
mike whitted
October 5, 2008
my condolences to betty,sheila,jeff and family i have alot of memories of coach george having him for phy. ed. for six years and wresling for four years it was always good to see him at sporting events and say hi
Riad
October 5, 2008
Betty, Sheila, Jeff – My deepest sympathy for your loss. I can’t every remembering seeing Otsie when he didn’t make me smile – whether it was on the hill, at the lake, at a game, at Nick's, at David’s - it didn’t matter. He was always wonderful to me. So after I wiped the my eyes I smiled again. Can you imagine the conversation he’s having right now with Bobby, Dickie, Nick, Coach and Johnny Boy?
Rhonda Weeks
October 4, 2008
Wow, I haven't seen "Coach George" in years, but the last time I saw him, he remembered me and my sister. He was a Great Man. I have many fond memories of him from Newfield. I've also never forgotten some of the Square Dance music he and Mrs. Trinkel played when we square danced. I know he will be missed by many...I pray that his family will be strengthened by the love of God and their friends. Rest In Peace. Rhonda (Burke) Weeks and Family.
dennis johnson- class of '71-newfield
October 4, 2008
betty and family..we have lost a great guy and a wonderful man who taught every student the right way to grow..i spoke with otsie last year at a wedding after not seeing him for twenty-five years and it was like we were both back in 1971..god has received a great man...
Katie Johnson
October 4, 2008
To the family of "coach" George: I am sorry to hear of his passing. I was a student of his at Newfield in Elementary school and even after his retirement I would see Coach at sproting events and he would always remember who he was. I now am employed at Cayuga Medical Center and the few times I ran into him there he always had a smile on his fave even though he was sick and knew who I was!!! I found that to be amazing. He was an inspiration to all!!
God bless his family in this time of sorrow.
Jean Sanford
October 4, 2008
Betty & family, Please accept my deepest sympathies on Otsie's death. He &you were truly a strong factor in my hrowing up in the Solomon family. I will always treasure the memories. Love, Jean (Wilcox) Sanford
Bobby Breen Class of 1983
October 4, 2008
Mrs. George and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of a great man. Otsie was a great example to many people. I have not seen him in years but have great memories. Take Care.
Gregory Solomon
October 4, 2008
My condolences to Betty, Sheila, Jeffery and the entire George family.
Otsie and my father – Jesse Solomon, were lifelong friends. I can recall many great memories of Otsie. As a youngster playing near Cascadilla Creek, I gashed my eye and needed to be taken to the hospital, Otsie was there. Otsie gave me my first autographed baseball and when I attended my first major league baseball game, Otsie was there. When I turned sixteen and needed someone to ride with me to Saratoga, Otsie was there. More recently, when I would visit Ithaca to walk along Cayuga Lake or play basketball at Lansing Park, Otsie was there. When it is my turn to pass through the gates of heaven, I know that Otsie will be there.
Jo Ann, Jody & Mark Myer-Foland
October 4, 2008
Coach's life was so in order that he was a great example for all. He was a wonderful, husband, father, and grandfather- but also impacted everyone he met as a outstanding and caring teacher, coach, and friend. He will be missed by so many, as he gave so much of himself. We love him, and will miss "Coachie" so much. God has added someone special to his home.
Jay Solomon
October 4, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alfred 'Otsie' George. Otsie always greeted us with a warm handshake, he often had a twinkle in his eye, we loved hearing his amusing anecdotes -- and he always made us laugh. He was a 'cousin' to everyone, and he will be missed.
kim eggersdorf (tanner)
October 4, 2008
mrs coach and family,
i am so sorry to hear of your loss.. coach george was a wonderful man and teacher and will be missed by many..... my thoughts are with you all ,,,
Robert Harvey
October 4, 2008
To the family I send my prayers and condolences. I remember the big guy when I was in Jr. high at Lansing Central school. He was full of fun and four years older than I. He was someone who I looked up to as a youngster. I am glad he accomplished so much in life. I know his children and friends will always be proud of him and remember him well and miss him.
Bill Georgia
October 4, 2008
I was saddened to read of "Otsie's" passing. He was a great friend both on, and off the field. I will miss him.
Bill Georgia
Class of '49
Newfield High School
Geri McCabe
October 4, 2008
Betty and Family so sorry of your loss..may his memories live on..he'll be truly missed my many
G.B.
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