George E. Herthum

George E. Herthum, age 91, of New York Mills, passed away at the Siegenthaler Center on February 27, 2026, with his family at his side.

He was born, March 6, 1934, in Coleman Mills, NY, son of George W. and Jessie Cosgrove Herthum. George was a graduate of Whitesboro Central High School, where he was a competitive athlete. He furthered his education at SUNY Delhi. On June 21, 1958, George married the love of his life, Donna Marie Nutter, a blessed union of 67 years. Donna passed away on July 25, 2025. Though he carried on with strength and grace, George died of a broken heart after losing his beloved Donna.

George was a carpenter by trade, and a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America for 65 years. A hard working man, George began working for his father as a teenager, installing lawns, and then building houses as they developed Herthum Heights in Whitesboro. After Herthum Heights was completed, his career continued by working with H. R. Beebe Construction Co., and later with Buck Construction Company. While still working full time, he purchased numerous apartment houses which he refurbished throughout New York Mills. George was always the first to lend a hand, and could often be found helping friends with their many construction projects over the years. After retiring, George enjoyed his daily drives, and attending auctions on Saturdays.

George served as Councilman for the Town of New Hartford for several years. He started the New York Mills Biddy Basketball program, coached Little League Baseball, and built the dugouts at the field. He was an avid follower of New York Mills athletics, rooting on his children and grandchildren in all of their events. George and Donna established the Herthum Foundation at the high school – sponsoring two annual scholarships as well as the annual Arbor Day Kindergarten tree planting at New York Mills School. He and Donna also twice donated the Holiday Lights on Main Street in the Village of New York Mills. He was the chairman of the Fred Bragg Golf Tournament for 42 years, which raises money for a scholarship at Whitesboro High School. He organized numerous benefits for sick children, one of the many ways he helped people in need.

His memberships include being a charter member and past president of both the Whitestown and New York Mills Optimist Club. George was a 70 year member of Oriskany Lodge #799 F&AM, and a member of Ziyara Temple AAONMS, Shriners. He also just received his 65 year pin from the carpenters union.

Survivors include his children, Debbie (Eric) Hamblin, Charles (Lori) Herthum, and Bill (Jennifer) Herthum; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Justin (Christina) Hamblin and their children, Jace, Josh, and Jordan, Kayla Hamblin and her children, Addeline and Carmine, Kevin Herthum, Ashley (Jimmy) Fellone and their children, Lucas and Lyla, Jenna (Austin) Smith and their children, Riley and Lily, Sara (Kyle) Unser and their daughter, Isabelle, and Brody Jones. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Retta Herthum; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert W. Herthum; and two sisters, Evelyn Finch, and Ruth Sweeney.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Wynn Hospital, and everyone at Siegenthaler Center and Hospice Care for their care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Thursday, 11:00 a.m., at Dimbleby Funeral Homes, Inc., 40 Main St., Whitesboro. The family will greet callers at the conclusion of the service. Interment in Grandview Cemetery, Whitesboro, will be in the spring. Masonic Service will be at the start of the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care at 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or the New York Mills Schools, 1 Marauder Blvd., New York Mills, NY 13417, check payable to the New York Mills School, in care of The Herthum Foundation.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy may be left at www.dimblebyfh.com.