George DeVoe

Lt. Col. (Ret. USAF) George Niles DeVoe SARATOGA SPRINGS - Lt. Colonel George Niles DeVoe, (Retired USAF), 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, under the loving care of his family, especially his devoted daughter, Kathleen, and the staff and volunteers at Mary’s Haven in Saratoga Springs. Nile “Dee” DeVoe served his country in three wars in three different decades. Entering the US Army Air Corps in 1944, he quickly became a radar navigator, flying in five B17 bombing missions over Germany in 1945. He returned to civilian life soon after VE Day. Upon recall, he joined a B47 crew as its bombardier during the Korean War. Later, he transferred his targeting and flight planning acumen to B52s in Cold War and Vietnam operations. He retired from the Strategic Air Command in 1973; but not before being bestowed the Air Force’s most prestigious award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, by President Eisenhower. After retiring from the USAF, Niles partnered with his brother-in-law, Jack Pompay, to open Saratoga’s first automated car wash in 1974. For five years, Niles managed the day-to-day mechanical and staffing demands of the gas/car wash business at the corner of New Street and Ballston Avenue. He retired a second time in 1979. Born in Schenectady, NY on January 12, 1924, Niles was the proud son of George and Isabelle DeVoe and was to become the proud father of five. He devoted his post retirement time to managing a couple of rental properties in Oldsmar, Florida, then caring for his mother-in-law, Angeline Pompay back in Saratoga Springs. Niles and Vivian then moved to Monrovia, California in 2011. On Veteran’s Day 2014, Niles lost his wonderful wife and dance partner of 67 years. Niles alone could light up a room, yet the two of them together were both a delight and inspiration to those who had the good fortune of their dining and dancing company. A true gentleman, with emphasis on the “gentle”, everyone enjoyed “the Colonel’s” empathy and good cheer. Niles is survived by three children: son James and his spouse Sylvia of Lawrenceville, NJ; daughter Kathleen of Saratoga Springs; and son Richard and his spouse Faye of Red Wing, MN. There are five grandchildren: Kryssa, Jesse, Julian, Dustin and Michael; and five great grandchildren: Liliana, Matteo, Harper, Hayden and Charlotte – all of whom inherited some of Niles and Vivian’s dance moves, but only one (so far) of whom has found Niles’ choir worthy voice. Niles was predeceased by two children, John and Judith. The youngest of three, he was predeceased by his sister, Lavilla Kitlas and is also survived by his older sister, Junice Wusterbarth, both of Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am Saturday, March 11, 2017 in the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The Rite of Committal, with military honors, will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. West Ave. The family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made in Niles’ memory to Mary’s Haven, 35 New Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (www.maryshaven.org). Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway and online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.