George J. Gravrogkas

Gravrogkas, George J. MENANDS George J. Gravrogkas, 86, died on January 30, 2015 in Albany. He was born in Lithuania on April 28, 1928, and was the son of Julian and Olga Gravrogkas. His father, Julian, was the president of Vytautas University in Kaunas, Lithuania, and George was raised in an environment of learning, teaching and music. After graduation from gymnasium in Germany, George began his studies in music composition, a pursuit which he continued until shortly before his death. He immigrated to the United States with his parents after World War II. Shortly after arriving in the United States, he joined the United States Army, qualified as a paratrooper, and proudly served his new country as an intelligence officer with the famed 101st Airborne Division. After military service, he began the studies in German and Russian languages which formed his long career and language and cultural education in colleges and universities in the Capital District. After receiving his B.A. from Union College, and his M.A. from the State University of New York at Albany, he joined the faculty of liberal arts at Hudson Valley Community College and was soon named chairman of the Department of Modern Languages. During his 30-year career at Hudson Valley, George was instrumental in the development of modern language education techniques and the installation of the library and learning facilities which supported education in modern languages, especially German, Russian and Lithuanian, in which he remained fluent for his entire life. He also took special pride in the successful development of the language and culture clubs, which allowed students not only to learn a language, but also to learn the customs and culture of Germany and Russia. He was recognized for his skills in administration, teaching and mentoring of both students and junior faculty. He was especially appreciated for his tactful and patient approach. His academic skills and accomplishments led to his appointment as a professor, and later to the awarding of the status of professor and chairman emeritus, a title he proudly held after his retirement in 1993. He was loved by his students and colleagues, who continued to seek his advice and counsel long into his retirement. He loved the arts, his music and his wife of 54 years, Aldona L .Baltch M.D., who survives him. He is also survived by several cousins. Calling hours at the Bowen and Parker Brothers Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road in Latham, will be on Sunday, February 1, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral services will held on Monday, February 2. Friends may call on Monday at the funeral home at 9 a.m., and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. Interment service will be at the chapel in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Amsterdam, at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, February 3. Please visit bowenandparkerbros.com for condolence book and directions.