George Treier

George Treier, 89, of Pittsford, New York, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 23, 1936, in Tallinn, Estonia, George's life was shaped early by his resilience, curiosity, optimism, and a deep sense of adventure.

Like tens of thousands of Estonians, George (then known as Jüri) and his family fled their homeland as the Soviet Union re-occupied Estonia during World War II. At just eight years old, he joined the exodus, spending his boyhood in displaced-persons camps and with relatives throughout Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1950, at age 13.

George and his family settled first in Oswego and then in Syracuse, NY, where he became a devoted Syracuse University sports fan-a passion he shared with his daughters and celebrated with an ever-expanding SU sweatshirt collection. He went on to graduate from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in 1958 with a degree in paper science.

George made his home in Pittsford, NY, where he built a rich, full life with his wife, Ronna, and raised three daughters–Merike, Kristin, and Kia. His happiest moments were the simple ones: daily walks, reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee, traveling, sharing stories, time spent with family, and watching his grandchildren grow.

He spent his professional career at Xerox, where he formed lifelong friendships and took great pride in his work as a paper technologist, securing several patents for innovations in paper composition and products. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a natural conversationalist-someone who could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. He was intellectually curious, had a gift for connection, and carried an easy warmth and sense of humor that benefited anyone fortunate enough to know him.

George had a love for photography and saw the world through a camera lens. He documented moments big and small, capturing his many travels through both his photographs and his beautifully written travelogues. He created a lifetime of memories-of special places, time spent with loved ones, and what feels like a photo for every day of his children's lives.

George is held in loving memory by his wife and daughters; his brother Jack; sons-in-law Adam, Keegan, and Aaron; and five grandchildren-Leio, Henri, Emelia, Lukas, and Ronan-who each adored their grandfather and will carry his gentle wisdom with them always. He leaves behind a legacy of good humor, boundless curiosity, kindness, and a joyful wonder for the world.

Details for a Celebration of Life service will be shared separately with family and friends.