My condolences and prayers to George's extended family. I used to hang around with George when we were kids in Binghamton . His sister,Christine, was still a toddler at the time.
Rest in peace George

Message from Laura Hillock

January 28, 2015 9:14 AM

I had the luck and pleasure of meeting George by chance on an Amtrak train over Christmas. It turned out we traveled the same train on Dec. 24th and on Dec. 28th. We sat across the aisle and George expressed what a wonderfully satisfying Christmas that he had with his family. We continued talking and he shared so much with me, his fight with cancer, his service in Vietnam, his recovery from that pain of war and loss, the harsh beginning of his life (born in a concentration camp), his regrets in life. Reporting all of this, he did so with a smile and was so strong and confident; he had such a desire to live. I was in awe of his attitude. I told him I would visit him at the VA Hospital if he was there on Tuesday, as I am a veteran as well and had my own appointment.

During that train ride home, things got worse for George. He resisted help from me (he was tough and stubborn), I encouraged him to drink and eat, putting things in front of him. At one point, he got up, refusing help again with a smile on his face, and he went to the back of the train. I did not witness what happened next, but apparently, he fell on the way to the back of the train, and another group of passengers helped him recover from that fall and encouraged him to eat and drink from that fall. I only realized what happened later, when he was carried off of the train and met by his family. I was thankful his family was there for him and that he would get to the hospital that night, and not on Monday when he planned.

I went to my appointment at the VA that Tuesday and when I stopped by the inpatient ward, was informed he was discharged home!!! I was relieved. What a fighter.

Something made me check the obituaries today. I am sorry I was too late to pay my respects.

My chance meeting with George was a blessing; he taught some things in that brief encounter which I will never forget. He had such a strong spirit and will to live and he wanted to live to make good of all that went bad in his life. He truly loved his family and life.

I know George is smiling now in heaven.

Message from Bath NY

January 28, 2023 8:03 AM

Linda told me she spoke with you after you sat with George on the train. I am doing a story on George and was hoping you could share with me his history of his service. Thank you in advance. Robert

Message from Sandy, Sara and Dan McKeever

January 27, 2015 7:46 AM

George was a generous man, I am glad we had the chance to cross paths.
I was sad to hear of his passing, and we will remember him fondly.

Message from Anonymous

January 23, 2015 2:15 PM

With sincere sympathy, I send my condolences to George's loved ones. May we all remember George, his fighting spirit, and his generosity.