George C. Ifill, Sr.

DOVER – George Christopher Ifill, Sr. passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at York Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 3 pm at Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York. A viewing will be from 2-3 pm Saturday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Suburban Memorial Gardens following the service. George Christopher Ifill, Sr. was born on September 11, 1932 in Barbados, West Indies to Harold St. Clair Ifill and Louise Thomas. He attended school in Barbados where he trained and worked as a professional cabinetmaker. George came to New York in 1953 where he met his wife of 51 years and raised four children. He made his home in Brooklyn, New York and Freeport, Long Island. George was employed for more than 30 years with New York City Board of Education and New York City Transit Authority. After retiring in 1995, he made his home in Laurel, Maryland and Dover, Pennsylvania. George loved meeting and talking with people regardless of their age. His greatest joy in life was social gatherings with family and friends. George was a passionate observer and supporter of political programs; union causes; and organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, Firemen’s Association of New York and Pennsylvania, and the Police Benevolent Association. He was a proud and active member of the National Republican Committee from which he received numerous awards and accolades; and often enjoyed the family “debates” as a result of this affiliation. However, he did have a growing fondness for President Barack Obama for whom he admired and vigorously supported. During the last two years of his life he attended the Heritage Senior Center of Dover daily, where he enjoyed the company of friends and acquaintances. George was proud to be an American citizen, and believed in living the American dream. He constantly spoke to his children and grandchildren about the value of a good education; doing their best; and living a worthy and successful life. George was a devoted and loyal husband, father, and friend. George is survived by his wife, Jessie; his children Veta Martinez, Georgena Ifill, George Ifill, Jr. and Venecia Cambric; sons-in law Pedro Martinez and Ronald Cambric; daughter-in-law Faith Ifill; and siblings Harold Smalls of Hempstead, NY; Samuel Thomas of Reading, England; Gloria Morris of Barbados, West Indies; and his stepsister Jean Herbert of London, England. His mother, Louise Thomas; his father, Harold Ifill and his stepsister Clara Boyce preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn him 11 grandchildren: Martin Mitchell; Jordan, Justin, Jason and Jessica Martinez; Tahirah and Aaliyah Jones; Nyla Cambric; Ian and William Ifill; Frederick Freeman; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. In memory of Mr. Ifill, memorial contributions may be made to: Heritage Senior Center, Inc., 3700 Davidsburg Road #4, Dover, PA 17315-4665.