SOUTH OTSELIC – George E. Beardsley, Sr., 73, of South Otselic, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 8, 2006 in the Valley View Manor Nursing Home of Norwich.
Born in the Town of Colechester on Jan. 15, 1933, George was the son of Isaac Thornton and Alice Edith (Loucks) Beardsley. Following his school years, he served his country during the Korean Conflict and, on Nov. 2, 1953, in Sidney, he married Barbara Finch. During their married years, the Beardsleys lived in several areas of New York State and, for a short time, in Colorado, with their last residence being on the George Beardsley Road in South Otselic where they made their home for 27 years. George had been a farmer for a time and had worked in various places and factories over the years, including Breakstone in Walton. Ken Youngs of Corbett employed George as a stone cutter for a number of years, and George’s last employment was 41/2 years at the Gladding Corporation in So. Otselic. George was considered a great father by his children. His interests were diverse: an avid hunter who had once been known as the “Oneonta Wildcat” during his boxing days, George had been a 3-time Golden Glove Champion. On the flip side, he loved music, especially country music, and had a lovely singing voice. George had recorded four tapes of country music songs which he himself composed.
George is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Beardsley; by his children: Edward M. Beardsley of Oneonta, Ida Harshbarger of South Otselic, Burton Beardsley of New Berlin, Donna Dewey and husband Gary of Unadilla, Laurie Beardsley of South Otselic, Sharon Titus and husband Lee of Norwich, and George E. Beardsley, Jr., and wife Glendeana of Bainbridge. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren; his brother, Earl Beardsley of Goshen, Fla.; and nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his sisters and brothers: Irene Youngs, Eleanor Smith, Mona Lou Beardsley (George’s twin sister); and Jim, Norris, Isaac Jr., and Adelbert Beardsley.
Funeral services for George will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Mr. Hank Edwards, Lay-Pastor Elder of the 7th Day Adventist Church, will officiate. Interment at a later date will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from noon until the service at 1 p.m.