Deceased August 23, 2016
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50th Reunion Book Entry
In Memory
George died at his home in Easton, Md., on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, just five days after his 84th birthday. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., George prepared for Amherst at Governor Dummer Academy. At Amherst, George played football, was a standout wrestler and captain of the team, tended goal for the newly-founded lacrosse team, and was elected to Sphinx. I had the distinct pleasure to share with him the football and wrestling experiences and to enjoy his enduring friendship formed on those teams and by our membership in Psi Upsilon. In recent years, George served our class and the College as a persuasive and effective co-class agent.
Shortly after graduation, George, accompanied by Jerry Grant, enlisted in the Marines where he served for two years. At the end of that enlistment in 1956, he took two major steps, enrolling in the law school of the University of Michigan, and marrying Smith graduate Benson “Benni” Woodroofe, a talented artist and later architect, with whom he had just this past June celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. With his LL.B. in hand, George first joined a New York City law firm where for a time he shared an office with Cliff Storms. In 1997 George retired as the vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Graybar Electric Co, Inc.. of St Louis. A member of the American Bar Association and the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, he was also, with Benni, an active member of Christ Church, Easton, and former vestryperson. A memorial service will be held at the church on Sept. 28, 2016.
In addition to Benni, George is survived by two sons, Michael of Lithia, Fla., and Daniel of Summit, N.J.; a daughter, Lindsay Haines of Rising Sun, Md.; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. George will be gratefully remembered by all of us who were privileged to know him as a superb athlete, an irrepressible and convivial friend, and a loyal Amherst man.
Tom Blackburn ’54