QUEENSBURY – George F. Reger, Jr., 85, formerly of Kattskill Bay and most recently of Willow Road, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, November 24, 2013, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.
Born on June 25, 1928, in Schenectady, he was the son of the late George F. and Rose (Paglia) Reger, Sr.
He was the husband of Jean (Cruden) Reger. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.
George graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and then furthered his education at Queens College in New York City. After Queens College, he served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army. Upon his return from service, he began his banking career. George took many banking classes at First National Bank of Glens Falls, completed the Dale Carnegie Course, and graduated from Williams College. During his career, he served on the Board of Directors at Evergreen Bank, in Plattsburgh and was an officer of the Robert Morris Association. After 48 years of service to First National Bank of Glens Falls, (later known as Evergreen Bank, TD Bank North and now known as TD Bank), he retired in 1990 as a Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. He loved the world of banking.
George spent many years at Lake George, building his family’s summer home in Kattskill Bay, later becoming his retirement residence. He enjoyed time spent on or around the lake, particularly boating and fishing. He was an officer of both the Pilot Knob Association and the Lake George Association.
George was a friendly and outgoing man, who had the knack of remembering names. This gift made people feel special. He loved having fun and telling jokes. He was a well respected man in his daily life and in his banking career. Most of all, George was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Reger.
George is survived by his loving wife, Jean Reger of Queensbury; his children, James M. Reger of Columbus, Ohio, Barbara R. Paradis of Queensbury, Thomas G. Reger of Seattle, Washington and Mary A. (Gene) Fortino of Martinez, Georgia; his grandchildren, Alyssa Wetmore, Gregory Wetmore, James Benes, Kerry Benes, Joanne Scott, Christina Fortino and Michael Fortino; his three great grandchildren; his sisters-in- law, Joan Hart, Jacquelyn (Carleton) Dunn and Sharon (Pete) McCormick ; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Friday, November 29, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.
The family would like to thank the staff of G Wing and S Wing at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, for the loving care given to George and his family. They will be forever grateful for the kindness and support give to him throughout his stay at Fort Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in George’s memory may be made to the local charity of your choice.
Peace to my first banking boss. I use the tools he gave me daily. I’ll never forget the “men’s” parties, preparing for committee, the importance of humor in banking, and the extra days off to go fishing in Maine during hurricane Gloria. I learned so much from GFR! Jean and Family my sincere condolences . Bill Dehais
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. This is a beautiful tribute to what was an amazing man, may you all find peace. Love, Jennette, Tom, Mason and Lauren. Hugs to all of you.
My first bank teller summer job at First National Bank in Queensbury Plaza was with George running the branch. He was a great boss, always had a big smile on his face, never had a harsh word and called me “sunshine” because I always had a smile on my face. He was a great mentor and a gentleman and will be sorely missed. He lived a good long life and that’s as good as it gets in my opinion.
I had the privilege and was honored to work for George while I was at FNB. George was a man to admire and respect; his knowledge and common sense were assets to not only the bank, but to the businesses and individuals he guided through financial waters. My sincerest sympathy to his dear family.
Your niece Janet is our daughter in law, so she and her her mom Sharon are dear to us. Both have often talked about your amazing husband- his intelligence and humor and sense of fun, especially with children, and then, in his later years of his suffering from Alzheimers.
So, although we’ve never met, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to your family. You see, in these last few months, our own vibrant 88 year old mother has in life lost her sense of self from the ravages of dementia, a condition that is so sad to experience for those that love her. As you have experienced far longer than our family with nurturing your husband.
Now that he has earned his peace, we hope the memories of his real self comfort you and your children, even cheer you with laughter as George stories abound in future conversations at family gatherings. In this way, his essence will live with you forever, and death will be defeated.
Sincerely,
Dayle and Rog Ahrens