George M. Carmody

George Martin Carmody, 85, of Hyde Park, passed away at Vassar Hospital on January 19, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Carmody; son, David Krom, Sr. (Melissa) of Hyde Park; daughter, Annmarie Carmody of Silver Spring, MD; granddaughter, Katie Krom of Wappingers Falls; grandson, David Krom, Jr. of Hudson; brother-in-law Paul Denkinger (Margaret) of Lancaster, VA; nephews Eric (Wendy) Denkinger of Lancaster, VA; and Mark (Michelle) Denkinger of Matthews, VA.

George was born in Salamanca, NY, on October 8, 1940, to Martin J. Carmody and Ann (Conte) Carmody. He was raised among his extended Irish-Italian family, which included many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

George was a multifaceted man who applied his dedication, intelligence, and conscientiousness to everything he did. After George attended Salamanca High School, he worked in an array of jobs, including a position on the B&O Railroad with his father, a seasoned conductor, and at Nuclear Fuel Services in Spring Valley.

George attended Erie County Community College for civil engineering and began his career as a draftsman at Allegany State Park. In 1972, he joined the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as a civil engineer, based at the Taconic regional headquarters at Mills Mansion in Staatsburg, where he remained until his retirement in 2002. He thrived in this role and found deep satisfaction in this work, particularly in the many rewarding collaborations he shared with his colleagues. He also served as the local representative for the New York State Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO. Following his retirement, George remained active in the field, taking on part-time roles as a registered home inspector and as a construction inspector with Morris Associates in Poughkeepsie.

Alongside his civil engineering career, George placed great importance on serving his community. After graduating from the New York State MPTC Police Academy, he served as a police officer in Salamanca and later became the police chief of Little Valley. George began his police service with the Hyde Park Police in 1973 and, upon retiring in 1983, had risen to the rank of sergeant. He was respected for his fairness, sound judgment, and belief in treating people with dignity.

In 1977, George married his one true love, Barbara Denkinger Krom, and raised David and Annmarie in the village of Hyde Park. His family was more important to him than anything, and he fully devoted his time, energy, and love to them. George modeled a strong work ethic, supporting his kids in their education and activities. He was involved with David's Boy Scouts and chaperoned many excursions and camping trips. He bought David his first motorcycle and taught Annmarie to ride her first bicycle. He attended all of Annmarie's band and chorus concerts and shuttled her countless times over the years to Girl Scouts, flute lessons, cheerleading, sleepovers, her college in Hartford, and more. He was always up for an after-dinner trip to Dairy Queen or CVS to look at stationery or household gadgets.

When Barbara faced multiple surgeries, George was there for her through the recoveries. He was always by her side and cherished the time they spent together throughout their 51-year relationship.

In the 1980s, the Carmodys took many fun-filled camping trips in New York and New England with their sweet dog, Princess. George especially cherished the times when his in-laws, Robert and Marjorie Denkinger, accompanied them, as he would cut it up with Robert. He loved vacationing in Lake George and also enjoyed a jam-packed trip to Disney World.

George had a lifelong passion for '50s and '60s rock and roll and doo wop. He played rhythm guitar with his band, The Quarter Notes, in his 20s. George and Barbara later relived their youth at the annual Elvis Festival in Lake George for 14 years, where they formed many special friendships.

In his younger days, George enjoyed hunting, owning various sports cars, and riding motorcycles. He was a NASCAR and boxing fan and supported NY sports teams, especially when he wore his Yankees or Mets hats.

George delighted in performing magic tricks and was a member of the Hudson Valley Magic Club. He loved taking photographs of local attractions and his family, and he was fond of his camera equipment.

He was treasurer for the Hyde Park Elks Lodge and later was a member of both the Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge and the Poughkeepsie Moose Lodge. When it was time to dance after many dinner events, George would show off the "Salamanca Stomp," a dance move of his own invention as an inside joke.

He was proud of both his Irish and Italian roots and was a member of the Italian Center in Poughkeepsie. He made a tasty pasta sauce, but the grill was his true culinary domain.

George was an usher for Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park. He will be remembered for being a family man, a committed professional, a loyal friend, and an all-around true gentleman.

Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Sweet's Funeral Home, 4365 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10 am at Regina Coeli Church, 2 Harvey St, Hyde Park. Entombment of his ashes will take place at a later date.

In honor of George's memory, please consider making donations to the New York State National Heritage Trust, Taconic: www.naturalheritagetrust.org/donate-to-taconic, or the American Heart Association: www.heart.org.