LINCKLAEN – George E. Staley, 92, of Lincklaen Center, passed away Friday, April 8, 2011 at his home.
He was born in Nedrow and graduated from DeRuyter Central School. He lived downstate for many years, where he established his own aviation repair company, CAMCO. During World War II, Mr. Staley was an aviation military consultant. Retiring in 1988, Mr. Staley moved back to Lincklaen and continued his lifelong hobby of collecting and restoring antique cars.
In 1995, Mr. Staley was instrumental in the formation of the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich. Today, the museum has over 100 antique vehicles, many that he donated, and many varied exhibits that preserve that part of history for present and future generations.
His latest project was the restoration of DeRuyter Town Hall, where he went to school in the 1930s. He and his sons have combined their talent, support and financial assistance to enlarge the library and the food pantry and to revamp the town offices for all residents to utilize and enjoy for many years to come.
He has accomplished so much in his life, but most of all he will be remembered for his dignity, grace, quiet nature, support, generosity, wisdom and all he did for others.
He will be missed very much by his family, friends and all who knew him or knew of George Edward Staley. Our lives have been graced by him.
Surviving are sons Claude (Lynn) of Rye and James (Fausta) of Somers; son-in-law, Lawrence (Nancy) Loffredo of Lincklaen Center; grandchildren, Paul (Bojana) Staley and Jill Staley, Nicole (Robert) Sheridan, Christopher Staley, Jason (Melanie) Loffredo, Kevin Loffredo and Lori (Rick) Arena; great-grandchildren William and Alexander Staley and Dylan Sheridan, and Vincenzo and Salvatore Arena; several nieces and nephews; and a dedicated “harem” of caregivers.
He was predeceased by his wife, Genevieve, and daughter, Jeanne Loffredo.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Smith Funeral Home, DeRuyter. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, DeRuyter. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the DeRuyter Free Library, c/o Gerald Wood, DeRuyter, NY, or the Northeast Classic Car Museum, c/o Doreen Bates, Rexford St., Norwich, NY.