George G. West, 80
George G. West of Punxsutawney, 80, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands DuBois. Surrounded by his wife and children, he left this life on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021.
George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Florence K. “Flo” West; his children, David (Michele) West from Franklin Park and Allison (Walter) Nunes from Springfield, Virginia; and his grandsons, Tristan and Kevin West and Kyle George and Tyler West Nunes. He is also survived by cousins Lynne Pearce, Cheryl Stonbraker, and Lisa and Gary Bedell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Family members from Oakmont include Tim Geary, Ben and Adrienne Lear, Bob and Chris Murray, and Rich and Mary Lear. Family members from Indiana, Pa., are Bill and Johnna Lear. George was the kind of person who was considered family to many, many others. No one was an in-law in his world.
George was the son of George G. and Marion (Hohnke) West. He was born on Jan. 31, 1941, in Punxsutawney and lived there until high school. He graduated from Slippery Rock High School. As his parents were both educators, George was inspired to spend his life teaching as well.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Denison University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received his master’s degree from Kent State University, and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.
As a biology professor, his career would span more than 30 years. George taught at Kent State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), where he remained until retirement. He was the kind of teacher who inspired and challenged his students, teaching not just biology but about life itself. He was a perpetual learner and continued to hold memberships in numerous professional organizations related to the field of Biology.
In 1987, he was the sole recipient from all of the NVCC campuses of the first Faculty of the Year award by the Northern Virginia Community College Alumni Federation. Upon his retirement from NVCC, he received an award for distinguished service for the years 1973 to 2004.
While living in Springfield, Virginia, George remained a part of the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney. Upon retiring to Punxsutawney, he was actively involved in many church committees and served as elder and deacon for the church. George was also a volunteer for the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center and the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, of which he was also a member.
In addition, he served as a board member for the Circle Hill Cemetery. In an organization near and dear to his heart, he served in various officer positions in the Hemlock Acres Outing Association, which was established in 1937. He was also a member of the John W. Jenks Masonic Lodge. George volunteered as the Stroke and Turn coach for the Northern Virginia Swim Team and was the manager for a youth soccer team, the “Annandale Strikers,” for 15 years.
His love of life was manifested in his involvement in many different activities after his retirement. Living on the same land as his parents and grandparents, he spent time feeding the birds, gardening and traveling hours to find the perfect flowers for the deck and planters. He loved all types of sports from racquetball to football, loved the Olympics and was a proud Steelers fan. He loved the beach and hunting for shark’s teeth. He was an avid reader, and his taste in music included a bit of everything from jazz to country to musicals. He enjoyed the theater, especially musical theater. He relished travel, but especially loved coming home again.
Family and friends will always remember him baking, including his West Cake almond cakes he shared at Christmas. George appreciated a good bourbon and enjoyed coconut cream pie. Given his passion for anything outdoors, he was in his element while golfing with friends and family.
George had four things he cared about most: his wife, his family, his best friends and his beloved dogs, Chloe and Barnaby. George was a friend to all, a best friend to many and a friend for life. He was always there to lend a hand, whether it was asked for or not. He treated everyone with respect and was honorable and trustworthy to his core. His word or his handshake was his promise. George was a man to emulate, celebrate and cherish.
A tribute to George’s life will be held at Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. Social distancing guidelines and masks will be required at the church. For those unable to attend in person, a video recording will be available later that day at the YouTube channel “George West Memorial,” https://tinyurl. com/4es9m4kp.
Interment will be in Circle Hill Cemetery, Punxsutawney.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the George West Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is to benefit citizens of Jefferson County pursuing a post-secondary degree. Preference will be given to those attending a community college. Checks for the fund should be made out to the George West Memorial Scholarship Fund and can be sent to Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church at 106 E. Union St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.