George Smith Bodine

George Smith Bodine entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 24, 2023,just one month before his 77th birthday. George was born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, the son of Emily and George Bodine. During his growing up years, he worked in the family business, Animal Land, at Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1974. Two of those years, he served in Japan, where his family joined him. Upon discharge, he returned to work in the family business, while he finished a B.A. in Psychology from Mansfield University. Upon graduation, he became a Certified Financial Planner with IDS, which eventually became Ameriprise. He had a highly respected practice in Wellsboro, until his retirement in 2012.

All who knew him will remember him as never taking things for granted and living for the moment to create wonderful memories with his family and friends. Even after the diagnosis of Glioblastoma (brain cancer) in October 2020 he was totally engaged in living.

George is best known for his sense of humor, being generous, caring and filled with much wisdom that he loved sharing with everyone -(sometimes going over the top). He had many interests- among his favorites were sports cars, flying as a private pilot, skiing (which he learned at the ripe old age of 45), traveling, sharing experience with and music. In retirement he became an avid biker, would fly his plane for enjoyment and took lessons to fly a helicopter. He and Karen traveled many places here and abroad. In the past months they have spent many hours reminiscing about all those trips, enriching their remaining moments together.

His passions were sharing his life with his soulmate, telling stories of his life, keeping up with politics and of course, music. For many years, he sang with the Wellsboro Mens Chorus. When they moved to Williamsport, He was especially happy to sing with the Williamsport Area Chamber Choir (once to his delight, with " granddaughter of his heart" BreAnna). When he and Karen moved to Florida in retirement, he auditioned for and joined the Vero Beach Choral Society. He loved to talk about what pieces he would be performing with them. His voice was superb. Many nieces and nephews tell funny stories of times with Uncle George. When his daughters were in school, he was their champion, knower of many random facts, "Mr. Peabody". and fully involved in their activities, cheering them on.

George's last wish was to see his wife, Karen settled near family in their new home in Colonie, NY. He was granted the time to see that wish come to fruition.

George is survived by his wife of 30 glorious years, Karen, his daughters Emily Bodine and Althea Bodine, sisters Catherine Shumway(Lew), and Jean Hanson, stepson Gregory Swimelar(Debby), stepdaughter Laura Moylan,.

The "granddaughers of his heart", Autore' McCarty(Traci), BreAnna Doganiero(Dante), Grandaughter Toryn Gugat and Grandson, Mason Kelly.

George will be remembered in a Memorial Service on 11:00 am, February 25, 2023 at his church, St. Andrews, Albany, NY. If you so desire, gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family will provide flowers.