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George Davis Obituary
Poughkeepsie - Hyde Park - George J. Davis, 86, died Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.
Born in Poughkeepsie on February 16, 1925, he was the son of the late George P. and Ellen (Kearney) Davis.
A 1943 graduate of Roosevelt High School, he organized several reunions for that wartime class.
Mr. Davis was an infantry scout during World War II with the 103rd Division in Europe. He spent almost six months as a German prisoner of war. During the Korean War, he was a regimental tank company commander in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in northern Japan.
After World War II, he attended Fordham University under the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1949. In 1957, he graduated from Columbia with a Masters degree after receiving a New York State Regents scholarship for veterans.
On December 29, 1951 at St. Louis Church in Buffalo, he married Marjorie R. Vetter. His wife, Marjorie, predeceased him on January 19, 2000.
He taught school for 30 years, retiring in 1981. He taught Social Studies in Eden, NY, Roosevelt Junior High, Pleasantville High and Spackenkill High. For several years at Spackenkill, he negotiated contracts for the teachers' association. He lived most of his life in Hyde Park and the Dutchess County area.
Mr. Davis was a member of Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park. He was also a member of the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Retired New York State and Spackenkill Retired Teachers' Associations.
He loved skiing, hiking, books, writing, traveling and corresponding with many friends. In 1994 at age 69, he hiked 550 miles across France, from Marseille to the Rhine near Strasbourg. He wrote World War II articles for several magazines and a book, The Hitler Diet, which treated light-heartedly, the terribly inadequate diet inflicted on the American POWs in Nazi Germany.
Mr. Davis is survived by his brother-in-law, Buddy Vetter of Buffalo, NY; three nieces, Ellen Courtney and husband, Alec, of Glenmont, NY, Edwina Marsala and husband, Don, of Poughkeepsie, and Diane Cardarelli of Tonawanda, NY; nephew, Thomas Vetter of Buffalo; two great nieces; and three great nephews.
He is also survived by his dear friend, Ethelyn Blass of Hyde Park; and the many friends he made during his world travels.
He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor D. McLaughlin in 2009.
There are no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Friday, June 24, 2011 at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery at Saratoga, NY.
Memorial donations may be made in George's memory to the Friends of the Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main Street, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Arrangements are by Sweet's Funeral Home, Hyde Park, NY.
To send an online condolence, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Davis
DOnald Baliszewski
June 25, 2011
Don Baliszewski Class of 1960. A great person and so little we knew we knew about him. Remember him well from High School. He was a good fair teacher. You got the grade you earned. May he rest in peace.
Mary Ann Taylor-Nataro
June 24, 2011
Mr. George Davis was a wonderful teacher & great man. Being a member of the 1st graduating class of Spackenkill I was blessed to have his influence, knowledge and friendship for 6 years. He is someone I never forgot: for his stories, dynamic teaching style, humor and spirit. He was someone who made me want to become a teacher. I recently re-connected with him when my Mom moved into the Manor at Woodside in Poughkeepsie. He was still the same wonderful man; energetic, positive, and fun. He even remembered my name after all these years, making me feel special all over again. I feel more than fortunate to have reconnected with him and for him to meet my husband and son. Rest in peace Mr. George, such a great man & human being; you will be forever in my heart.
G N Kidder
June 24, 2011
Mr. Davis was one of the best teacher I ever had at RHS. I remember him bringing into class one day his World War II, footlocker filled with German helmets, war metals, flags and other items, even a knife and sword from the war. Do you think that would happen today.
A great American, rest in peace.
Patrick McCarthy
June 23, 2011
He was one of my teachers when I was a Freshman at Roosevelt H.S. in 1956. I always respected and admired Mr. Davis, a member of the "Greatest Generation", a true American hero.
Christina Lamont
June 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tough time. I had the privilege of meeting "Uncle George" 2 years ago when his niece brought him to where she worked. Very kind sweet man. Christina L- Pine Plains
June 23, 2011
Our friendship began in 1976 when we met George & Marge in Kenya. They introduced us to USA and we were happy to welcome them here in the UK. It is a friendship we have treasured ever since.
We shall miss you George.
Gary & Lee Mullins, Farningham, Kent UK
Patsy Costello
June 23, 2011
On behalf of the Town of Hyde Park Historical Society, we would like to express our sympathy in the death of our dear friend and member, George Davis. We were lucky to have heard George's many stories and also to have videotaped him a couple of years ago for our Museum archives. We thank him for his Service to our country during WWII and were glad that his FDR HS ring brought him back home!
With our condolences to Effie and his family. May George rest in peace!
Patsy N. Costello, President
Town of Hyde Park Historical Society
Mary D.
June 22, 2011
George and Marge lived across the street from my family for many years. I took care of their cat when they traveled and we went skiing with them a few times. George aways told wonderful stories. He will missed.
Joseph R Nagy sr
June 22, 2011
mr. davis was my history teacher when i went to FDR , he was the greatest teacher i ever had, luved his war stories & he made them fit into teaching us history,,to this day, i talk about him to people & tell them how he taught us history,again the greatest teacher i ever had...Joseph R. Nagy sr,, proud to have been his student
Ray Hirsch
June 22, 2011
I'm sorry to hear the sad news. When I first started teaching at Spackenkill in 1973, George was the man you spoke to, and respected the most. He was one of the nicest, and most professional person I have ever had the pleasure to know. It's a shame the newer teachers don't have a mentor like George. We lost one of the good ones.
Henry Gugumuck
June 22, 2011
I am truly saddened to hear of Mr. Davis' passing. I had him for social studies at Spackenkill Jr. High during 1968/69. He made learning fun and always had a story to tell about the topic we were discussing. God bless him and may he rest in peace.
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