Obituary of George F. Henry

George Francis Henry, 102, of Clark Mills, NY and Terra Ceira, FL, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Lutheran Care, Clinton. He was born in Clark Mills, on February 7, 1910, the son of Elmer G. and Amelia Brown Hayes Henry. He attended Clark Mills Schools. On November 1, 1943, he married the former Ruth A. Esslinger while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He proudly served in the US Army, 9th Armored Division as an ambulance driver in WWII. His ambulance was the first to cross the Remagen Bridge after it was captured at the Battle of the Bulge. Upon return home in 1946, he and Ruth became custodian for the Clark Mills American Legion. In 1954, he began helping his dad at the Gulf Gas Station on Clinton St. and in 1960 started a Western Auto store at that site. George and Ruth retired in 1975 and moved to Terra Ceira Island, FL. Enjoying the sun, fishing and visits from friends and grandchildren. The love of his life, Ruth, passed away May 22, 2010 after 67 years of marriage. He leaves a son, David J. Henry and wife Mary of Terra Ceira, Fl; daughter Riley Ann McFadden and Ron of Clinton, NY; four granddaughters, Tammy Dygert and Dan, Christy McFadden, Jamie Henry, Tracy Henry; six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brianna, Alyssa, Jenna, Emma and Evan; his special niece Lois Finegan, his special cousin, as well as caregiver, Bonnie LaSalle, his life-long friend Betty McCarthy and the best roommate ever, Joe Cehonski. Private services will be at the convenience of the family with no prior visitation. Burial will be in Kirkland Prospect Cemetery. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., Clinton. Please consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413.