Albert C. George

YORK - My father, Albert C. George, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Dad began this journey on August 15, 1916 in Braddock, PA. He was the son of Albert E. and M. Anne (Smith) George. His grandfather had been recruited from Cornwall, England by Andrew Carnegie to bring a specific blast furnace technology to Braddock for the planned Edgar Thompson Steel Works. Like his father, my dad's father worked in the Braddock steel mill. On call 24 hours a day, as a superintendent, he wasn't home a great deal. His wife, Mary, dad's mother, died when dad was a young boy. Dad was graciously raised by two of his aunts. Dad, Al, didn't speak about his mother often, mostly because he deeply cherished his brief time with her. Al's father understood the value of education and encouraged his son to go to college. Dad left Braddock for Penn State, Mont Alto campus in 1934 at the age of 18. He returned to Braddock in the summers to spend time with his father while earning money for college by working under the blast furnaces his grandfather had helped design. Al greatly admired and respected his father. He talked of their Canadian vacations throughout his life. Al met the love of his life while at Penn State. He and Mary Isabel (Jordan) George, of York, were married in York on June 26, 1943. They resided in Pittsburgh while Al served in the US Army Air Corp from 1942-1946 during WWII. Al put his forestry degree to work after the war by working for the Pittsburgh based Newell Lumber Co. Al and Isabel "Hon", along with their son, moved to New Freedom in the early 1950's. Al was the owner and president of New Freedom Lumber Co. until his retirement in 1981. While in New Freedom, Al was a selfless contributor to the community. He served as president of the Planning Commission, founder of the New Freedom library, president of the Lions Club, as well as, a board member for Memorial Hospital. Several years after moving to York Lutheran Village, Al's wife, Hon, passed away. He though about her and missed her presence every day. It was during the subsequent eight years that Al rekindled his passion for learning and traveling. He traveled throughout North America by train, as well as, with his son. Al thrived on experiencing new and different places and people. He was, and is, a gentle and kind soul who opened the door to the excitement of life. Along with exploring and experiencing new places and cultures, Al's other wellspring of happiness was following the growth and maturation of his much beloved granddaughter Rachel. I believe he saw in her a kindred soul. We are so very fortunate to have Al in our lives providing balance, courage, moral guidance, and support, completely free of judgment. Al is survived by his son, Michael George and wife Cindy George of Sonoma, CA; a granddaughter, Rachel George; a brother, Richard George and wife Donna George of North Huntingdon, PA; two nieces, Ellen Bers Johnson and husband Michael Johnson of York, Linda Scott Morris of Carl Junction, MO; and a nephew, George Bers and wife Jane Bers of Pleasant Hill, CA. A few of Al's favored charities were, The Pennsylvania State University School of Forestry, Mont Alto campus of PSU - www.ma.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/29375.htm; The Grand Canyon Trust -www.grandcanyontrust.org; National Park Service - www.nps.gov; St. Joseph's Indian School - www.stjo.org; and Zion Lutheran Church - www.zionyork.org. Donations to these charities would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A commemorative tribute service for Al will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York with The Rev. Janyce Jorgensen officiating. A visitation will be held from 9-10:00 AM Thursday at the Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.