George A. Hollenbeck

SCHENECTADY ~ George Arthur Hollenbeck, 77, devoted life partner of Kathleen Smith (Meury), passed away at his Rotterdam home surrounded by his loving family after a heroic battle with cancer.

George was born on January 20, 1943 to the late Alma "Marilyn" Lyon (Hollenbeck) Campbell and PFC James M. Hollenbeck. He is predeceased by his sister, Sandra Waddell.

He attended Draper and Mont Pleasant schools, and graduated from Linton High School in 1960 where he was a gifted athlete. Athletics fostered many friendships, a devotion to fair play on and off the field, and a lifelong love of sports. He regularly regaled any and all who would listen with stories of his and his teammates' athletic exploits and accomplishments, remembering them as if they were yesterday.

George enjoyed a 38-year career at General Electric Schenectady ("The GE") as a layout person and machinist. A gifted craftsman, this precise work suited him perfectly. His zest for life, problem solving ability, and commitment to excellence made him well respected by his colleagues. He also certainly put those skills to good use outside of GE. George always had a project going and his workmanship was impeccable. He built many homes (including his own), picnic tables, dog houses, garages, and also helped others with building, remodeling, repairing, or project planning. Invariably with a smile, he relished in helping family, friends, neighbors, and family of family. At home, George could often be found sitting on his self-built backyard swing surveying his accomplishments with pride.

He loved to ski, and while he cherished trips to many different mountains near and far, Gore Mountain held a special place in his heart. He skied double diamonds into his 60's, counting the birthdays until he could earn his "ski for free" status.

George had a love of music and instilled it in his family, from Mitch Miller sing-a-longs on camping trips in his treasured Adirondacks, to a love of dance fortuitously leading him to his beloved Kathy. Until his illness, at lots of events such as the Rotterdam Senior Center's "Senior" Prom, many were fortunate to admire George and Kathy's joy and fancy footwork.

Family was the cornerstone of George's life, and he was the strong center of the blended family he built with the love of his life, Kathleen M. Smith, of Rotterdam, NY these last 37 years. He will be remembered lovingly by his children: daughter Lynn (Robert) Massaroni, son James A. (Wendi) Hollenbeck, and stepsons James (Ann) Smith and Shane Smith. He also leaves behind his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye: Marilyn Blaire Massaroni, Mitchell and Marshall Hollenbeck, Scot Rowe, Tyler and Hailee Smith, Megan (Steve) Welch and Emily (Dan) Lavelle. Great grandchildren, Bryson and Brooklyn Rowe, Noah, Jacob, and Kelsey Welch and Joseph and Jenna Lavelle ensure his legacy of love continues to be felt by future generations.

A private interment will take place on January 7th at Schenectady Memorial Park, and a memorial service will follow at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's name to the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St, Schenectady, NY 12305.

George, you will live in the hearts of those who love you forever.