George W. Burgess Jr.

EARLVILLE, NY - SARASOTA, FL: George W. Burgess, Jr., 91 of Sarasota, FL., formerly of North Norwich and Waterville, NY, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the home of his son in Earlville, NY. He was born on November 13, 1933, in Norwich, NY, the son of the late George W. and Ethel (Crouch) Burgess, Sr., and graduated from Norwich High School Class of 1951 and attended Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY. On May 30, 1952, in Earlville, NY he married Laura Mae Scarlett. She predeceased him after 70 years of marriage on May 8, 2022. George worked as engineer for GE Aerospace, beginning his career in Utica and Schenectady, NY before moving to San Jose, CA, where he retired after 40 years of service in 1988. Following his retirement George and Laura moved to Florida and made it their home. He was a 50-year member of the Sanger Lodge #129 of Waterville, NY, a member of the Ziyara Shiners, Utica, NY, he was Patron of Order of the Eastern Star, Waterville, NY while his wife served as Matron, a member and served as High Priest of the L.O.S., Sarasota, FL. and also was a member of the Sahib Shriners, Sarasota, Fl., and served as Boss Clown. George will always be remembered for his "Crazy Clothes". They were flamboyant, eccentric and unconventional, but a true sign of George's personality. Surviving are his children, Christine and Gene Henley of Sarasota, Fl., George W. "Skip" Burgess, III of Earlville, NY, Lori Armfield of Bradenton, FL; a brother and three sisters-in-law, David and Becki Burgess of Sun City, AZ, Judy Burgess of Syracuse, NY, Susan Burgess of Ellington, FL; grandchildren, Angela and Donald Thompson, Gene and Melanie Henley, Jr., Jeri Lyn Burgess, all of Sarasota, FL., George W. Burgess the IV, Stormy Burgess (Jason "Bud" Gardner) all of Oneida; great grandchildren, Riley Rae Henley and Matthew Briere both of Sarasota, FL., Jeremiah, Jariah, Jayden and Julie Burgess of Sarasota, FL., Drako Burgess and Falkon Gardner both of Oneida, Lindsey Tuccirone and Emma Kay both of Sarasota, FL, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Michael Armfield and two brothers, Sidney and Jerry Burgess. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm at the home of his son Skip at 21 Taylor Ave., Earlville, NY 13332. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in N. Norwich Cemetery, N. Norwich, NY. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George, please visit our floral store.