ALBANY – George J. Dawson, Jr., 89, of Albany, died Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Delmar. George was born in Jersey City, NJ, but lived in Albany since childhood. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School in Albany, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed for many years by the U.S. Post Office in Albany, retiring as Superintendent of Mails. George was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to cook, play bocce, cards and checkers. He enjoyed investing in the stock market. George was a diehard New York Yankee/New York Giants fan. He also was a member of the Italian American Community Center in Albany. George’s favorite saying was, “God put it there, God will take it away….especially when it comes to shoveling snow.”
George is survived by his beloved wife Mary Christopher Dawson; his children George J. Dawson, III (Mary Ellen) of Libertyville, IL, Robert C. Dawson of Manhattan, Jeffrey C. Dawson (Gamila) of the Bronx, and Joan M. Dittmer (Kenneth) of Albany; his grandchildren Emily Thompson (Michael), Sabrina, Sara and Adrianna Dawson, Devin Dawson, Ian and Logan Dittmer, Liz Jensen, and Alan Dwyer; his great grandchildren Dylon and Liam Thompson, Aliza Jensen, and Arden Belle Schuett, and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Susan M. Dawson, his brother Martin Dawson, and his sister Dorothy Emma.
The Dawson family would like to thank the staffs of St. Peter’s Hospital, Hospice, and the Good Samaritan Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided to George.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday morning at 9:00, and from there to the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave., Albany at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Joseph Piccolo
June 18, 2012 at 5:32 amTo the Dawson Family,
Your father was like a second father to me growing up. I could remember his visits to Massachusetts and our fishing encounters at the beach and wrapping the fishing line around the telephone wire. He and your mother would always stay in touch with my mother through the years.
Your father is a wonderful person and I know he is in a peaceful place.
Our Sincere Sympathies
The Joseph Piccolo Family
Don and Amy Dittmer
June 18, 2012 at 6:12 amJoan,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you both were. He loved you so much Joan. You were such a good daughter. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Don & Amy
Barbara and Jack Castracani
June 18, 2012 at 8:50 amOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remembering the times on Benson Street when we were growing up. Great memories.
Love,
Jack and Barbara Castracani
Don and Amy Dittmer
June 18, 2012 at 12:20 pmJoan,
I am truly saddened to hear of the loss of your father and would like to express my sincere condolences to you, Ken and Logan, as well as, your family. Even though I did not know him well, I know you had a close relationship with him and it is obvious that you were very fortunate to have such a fine man as your father and role model to you and his grandson.
Amy and the children also send their thoughts and hopes to you and your family at this most difficult time. We’re sorry that we will not be able to make it to the funeral to convey our condolences in person, so please accept them from a distance and please pass them on to your family and father’s friends.
With Our Sincere Sympathy,
Don and Amy Dittmer, and Family
George and Linda Finch
June 18, 2012 at 6:51 pmJoan,
Linda and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
SIncerly,
George and Linda Finch
Paulette Christopher
June 18, 2012 at 10:24 pmJoanie, Bobby, Georgie, Jeffrey, and Aunt Mary,
My thoughts are prayers are with you. I will never forget Uncle George teasing me. He used to try to trick me into eating hot peppers or confusing bakala with baklava so I’d get the fish and not the dessert! He always gave me and Phil a warm greeting. We always felt welcomed and loved at your house.
He will be missed. Prayers go out to you all.
With love,
Paulette Christopher
Dan Lawlor
June 19, 2012 at 5:50 amDeary Mary: I worked with George for years with the US Postal Service. He was always a friend and mentor and helped me greatly in my career there. My deepest condolences on your loss. You will be in my prayers. Dan Lawlor
Denise M. (Christopher) Smith
June 19, 2012 at 7:41 amOh, the memories! What a blessing it is to have had such a warm, rich, loving life with a man like Uncle George. Lake Champlain (bedbugs, “roadkill pheasant”), Alcove Reservoir, superb food (especially wild mushrooms), and matzo are just a few of the memories that I still share, even with strangers.
Love and a big hug to you all from Dee Dee and Chris.
Darleen Walsh
June 19, 2012 at 9:19 amJoan,
I wa sorry to learn about yor father’s passing. You, Ken, Ian and logan are in my thoughts. Your Dad will always be a presence as you will have him in your heart.
Darleen
Keith Kirtley
June 19, 2012 at 4:59 pmJeffrey,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sympathy to you and your family. I was saddened to read of the passing of your father. I was hoping to be able to see you at the wake but I was unable to make it there. Growing up on Benson Street with you and your family were some fun times. Take solace in your memories.
Keith Kirtley
Tim Moore
June 20, 2012 at 6:01 pmMy thoughts are with your family with the loss of your dad/husband. I have amazing memories of your Dad, George from my high school days. On every visit to Albany i thought of your family and remember helping build the rock enclosure for parking at your house. At least my memory tells me i helped. Perhaps wishful thinking. Your dad was an inspirational motivation to “getting things done.” I feel so sorry for your loss and hope that you will cherish the remarkable memories he has left you with.
Jo Coffey
June 20, 2012 at 6:53 pmMrs. Dawson and Family,
I am sorry to read of the passing of your husband and father; I remember you and your family from Benson St. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am sorry I was not able to make it to the wake to tell you in person.
With My Sincere Sympathy,
Jo Harper Coffey
Anne Pero March
June 29, 2012 at 1:03 amDear Mrs. Dawson , George, Bobby,Jeff and Joanie,
So sorry to hear about your loss, I remember your family from Benson St and St Patrick’s School and Church.
Please accept my deepest sympathy, you are all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Anne Pero March
Mike Hall
June 30, 2012 at 11:21 amVery sorry for your loss. George was a good guy.
Sincerely,
Mike