George McCormick

MARLBORO -- George E. “Mac” McCormick, 71, of Ames Hill Road in Marlboro, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at his home, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. McCormick was born in Northampton, Mass., on Feb. 26, 1934, the son of Robert and Olive (Massey) McCormick. He was raised and educated in Northampton and had attended St. Michael's School in Northampton.

He served his country during the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Marine Corp. He was honorably discharged from active service on Dec. 9, 1953, and re-enlisted into the U.S. Army and was discharged on May 14, 1960.

Following his military service he returned to Brattleboro. He was employed as a service technician for Utilgas in Brattleboro, had worked for Arthur Whitcomb Inc. in Brattleboro and for a time was employed at Washburn Vault Co. in Brattleboro.

He also worked for many years as a mason tender for his brother-in-law, Richard Radcliffe.

With his wife he had been a resident of Marlboro for the past 46 years.

Active fraternally, he was a member of Brattleboro Lodge #102 F&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Cario Shrine Temple in Rutland, Brattleboro Shrine Club where he was active and captain of the Snowmobile Unit.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445, the Order of the Eastern Star, and was an active member of the V.F.W., Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034, where he served as treasurer of the Men's Auxiliary. He was also a member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5, serving as Post 5's athletic director and served a term as Windham County Commander.

He was also a Rainbow State Dad, and had been an active member of the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as captain.

He was especially proud to be a member of the Marine Corp. League Detachment.

Mr. McCormick was known for his “big heart” and generous spirit, always willing to help others in need.

He enjoyed boating, traveling, playing the spoons and dancing; he was fondly known on the dance floor as “crazy legs.”

Mostly he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On Oct. 13, 1959, in Auburn, N.Y., he was married to Betty Jane Radcliffe, who survives.

Besides his wife of almost 46 years, he leaves a son, Jim McCormick and his wife Dawn of Marlboro; two daughters, Shelby McCormick Fernette and her husband Kenneth of Marlboro, and Lori Mansur of Hinsdale, N.H.; a son-in-law, Norman Mansur of Brattleboro; two brothers, John McCormick of Northampton, Mass., and Patrick McCormick of Greenfield, Mass.; three sisters, twins, Rose Emma Reynolds of Leeds, Mass., and Rose Alba Zygmont of Hadley, Mass., and Patricia Hannigan of Las Vegas, Nev.; nine grandchildren, Joshua Smith, Christopher Smith, Kyle Smith, Jeremy Fernette, Tasha Fernette, Rebecca McCormick, Brian McCormick,Kimberly McCormickand Jeffrey McCormick; an adopted granddaughter, Danielle Santamaria; three great-grandchildren, Julissa Smith, Breauna Smith and Brian James McCormick; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by a grandson, Ryan George Smith; five brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 10 a.m. at the Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034 on Black Mountain Road with Robert Johnson, chaplain of the American Legion Post #5, officiating.

Burial will follow the services in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery with full military honors. A reception will take place at the V.F.W. following the committal services.

Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.

At Mr. McCormick's request, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the McCormick College Fund. Send to the attention of Helayne Barrett at the Brattleboro Savings & Loan, P.O. Box 1010, Brattleboro, VT 05302-1010.

Arrangements are under the direction of the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME.u