McDONOUGH – George A. Tucker, 87, a respected Oriskany Falls businessman and community supporter, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at his home. At the time of his passing his loving wife, Jean was at his side.
George was born on Feb. 26, 1921, in McDonough, NY, the son of the late Leon and Josephine Brown Tucker. He attended McDonough Union School and graduated from Oxford Academy in 1939. George attended a government sponsored school and learned to be a machinist. He first was employed by Bendix Aviation in Sidney, and later Bell Aircraft, until his entry into the Army Air Force in September of 1942. In 1943, he was stationed in the China-Burma-India Theater with Army Airways Communications, which was part of the 10th Air Force. He was a CW Radio Operator and flew from India to China. George also served as an Air Controller on the airbase. He was discharged on January 6, 1946 as a Sergeant.
After his discharge, George and his brother, Frances, shared the operation of the family store in McDonough. In 1957, he purchased a store in South Otselic. George lived in South Otselic and operated that store for 14 years. It was during this time that he married Hilda Kingsbury in 1963. She passed away on July 28, 1989.
In January of 1970, he purchased a store in Oriskany Falls from Aubrey Alberding, Sr., now known as Tucker’s Big M. He continued to operate that store making several improvements until January of 1997, when he sold it to a longtime employee, Diane Turner. George also created Tucker’s Department Store, Tucker’s Hardware Store, and Tucker’s Laundromat all located in Oriskany Falls. On February 19, 2000, George was united in marriage to Jean Long Custer in South Otselic and they resided in Oriskany Falls.
George is survived by his loving wife, Jean, his nephew and niece, Frank and Lisa Tucker and their children. Several step children and step grandchildren also survive George.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Josephine and Evelyn (Tucker) Keough; his brothers, Luther, Gordon, and Frances.
In his final year he received much pleasure from visits, cards, pictures, and gifts he received from many of his friends, former employees and customers. He was cared for till the end by his wife Jean and his special friend, Marcia Hayduke.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church. A graveside service with Military Honors will be conducted on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Union Cemetery located in McDonough. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.
In memory of George and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church, Oriskany Falls, N.Y. 13425.