George Witman Washbourne

George Witman Washbourne, 76, of Dunwoodie Drive, died Tuesday evening, December 30, 2008 at Kingston Hospital, Kingston, NY. He was born May 17, 1932 in Williamstown, PA to the late John and Edna (Schaeffer) Washbourne.

George married Margaret Peg Miller on June 12, 1954 at Seibert Evengelical Church in Williamstown, Pa.

He graduated from Williamstown High School in Pennsylvania where he lettered in football and baseball and played trumpet in the high school band. He then went to Susquehanna University, graduated in 1954 receiving his Bachelor of Science. At college, he played for the baseball and football teams, and played trumpet in the Phi Mu Delt Boys college band. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Dental Corps stationed in Panama during the Korean War.
Upon his discharge, he returned to Pine Grove PA and started his career in education, where he was high school science teacher and also coached football and baseball. During that time he also earned his Masters of Arts from Bucknell University in 1959.

He was recruited by Kingston City School District and with his family moved here in 1962; he taught advanced biology and later became Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum. He had also authored and illustrated several biology textbooks. After his retirement from the school district in 1987, he went to work for Ulster Savings Bank retiring as Vice President of Human Resources.
He was a very active member of St. James United Methodist Church where he served in many positions. He was a tireless volunteer for many service organizations over the years including Family of Woodstock, the Family Domestic Violence Services of Kingston and the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church Soup kitchen. He was also a member of the Pine Grove Masonic Lodge, American Legion and the Phi Mu Delta Fraternity.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter Grace Washbourne and her husband James McCartney, Edgewater, MD, Sue and her husband Bill Rockefeller, Austin, TX, grandson Jacob Rockefeller, nephew Ken Washbourne, Harrisburg, PA. Predeceased by his brother, John Washbourne.

A memorial service will be held at the St. James United Methodist Church, corner of Fair & Pearl Street on Saturday January 3rd at 10:30 am. The Rev. David M. Jolly, officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Keyser Funeral Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

The family suggests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to St. James United Methodist Church, Corner of Fair and Pearl Street, Kingston, NY 12401 or Family of Woodstock Domestic Violence Center, 39 John St. Kingston, NY 12401. Light a candle in memory of George at www.KeyserFuneralService.com .

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