1932 - 2016
OAKSVILLE - George Raymond Tucker, Jr., 84, of Jones Road in Oaksville, died Sunday, October 2, 2016, at his home.
He was born February 6, 1932, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, a son of George R. Tucker, Sr. and Nellie M. (Staffin) Tucker.
He graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter was employed by the George A. Fuller Co. of New York, who was constructing one of the first major additions to the M.I.B. Hospital. Upon completion of the project, George began his life long career with Otsego County Department of Highways.
On August 20, 1952, George was called to active duty with the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Stationed in Korea with the 65th Combat Engineers, 25th Infantry Division, he was the recipient of the Korean War Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and a Merit Unit Commendation Medal. He was Honorably Discharged on August 24, 1954, having attained the rank of Sergeant.
Following his military service and return home, George attended the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Delhi where he studied surveying. He was once again employed by Otsego County, and in 1957 was appointed Junior Engineer. It was during this time that George became instrumental in starting a union to represent County employees and served as Vice President and then President of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).
In 1972 George was appointed Superintendent of Highways to succeed Francis S. Olin, and served in that position until his retirement in 1994.
On May 25, 1957, George married the former Shirley E. Moore in a ceremony at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Oneonta.
A Native Son of Cooperstown, George was an Honorary Member of the New York State Superintendents Association and the Town Highway Superintendents Association. He was a Life Member and Past Post Commander of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 in Cooperstown and was also a member of the Hugick Purcell American Legion Post No. 616 in Richfield Springs. For eight years he served on the Town of Otsego Board, with six years as Deputy Supervisor, and was a 42 year member of the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company and served as Secretary for 23 years.
He lived, he loved, he died. He enjoyed life!!
George is survived by two daughters, Linda Thayer and her husband, Alan of Fly Creek, and Lisa Adams and her husband, Rick of Wake Forest, North Carolina; two sons, Patrick Tucker and his wife, Carolyn of Colorado and Michael Tucker and his wife, Jennifer of Massachusetts; eight grandsons, Tim Adams, Jason Coe, Joshua Adams, Eric Coe, Caleb Adams, Nicholas Tucker, Jacob Tucker and Sean Tucker; and one sister, Carol Richards and her husband, Earl of Schenevus.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Shirley E. Tucker, who died November 6, 2006.
Family and friends are invited to gather at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at St. Mary's Cemetery, Index, where Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128, Cooperstown, and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.
Following the services in the cemetery, all attending are invited to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company Fire Hall for a time of refreshment and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be directed to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, P.O, Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
