George Wright Hamlin IV

Canandaigua – George Wright Hamlin, IV, age 83, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary (Morrison) Hamlin; three children, Sherrod (Kevin) Smeenk, Frank (Debra) Hamlin and Alex (Amy) Hamlin; five grandchildren, Drue Hamlin, Anneke Smeenk, Kaden Smeenk, Sawyer Hamlin and Isabel Hamlin; two step grandchildren, Christopher (Jamie) McCann and Cassidy McCann; and sister, Sherrod Perkins-Keane (Bill Keane).
George was born in Canandaigua and was the son of Frances (Ricks) Hamlin and Frank H. Hamlin, II. He graduated from Yale University with a B.S. in Physics and joined the Air Force in 1963. While in the Air Force, George became "Top Gun" for being first place in Advanced F-105 Fighter Training. He flew 100 missions over North Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1969, he left the Air Force to attend the University of Virginia Law School, graduating in 1972. He was admitted to the NY and Federal Bars a year later. Upon graduation, George became an associate at Nixon, Hargrave, Devans and Doyle, until joining Canandaigua National Bank and Trust Company (CNB) in 1978. In 1979, he became President and CEO of CNB, growing the bank from approximately $85 million in bank assets and $19 million in investment assets under Management, to $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion respectively in 2011. Also that year, his son Frank was appointed President and George was appointed Chairman of the Board. He served as Chairman until stepping down in 2023, yet remained on the Board until his passing.
George was exceptionally active in the Banking industry through advocacy in Albany and Washington D.C. and served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 1997-2002. He had previously served on the Buffalo Branch Board of the Federal Reserve from 1993-1996. Throughout his career, George served on numerous community boards and foundations, donating both time and treasure to the many noble causes throughout our community.
George was a Veteran, Lawyer, Banker, Pilot, Musician, Actor, Community Leader and much more. He cared deeply for his family, the employees of CNB and the many people who he interacted with in the community and beyond.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 24, from 1-3pm, at Finger Lakes Community College, 3325 Marvin Sands Dr., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, 75 College Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.