Plattsburgh — George A. Barnett, 98, formerly of the River Road, Peru and more recently Point Au Roche, Plattsburgh, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at the Clinton County Nursing Home in Plattsburgh. He was born in Crown Point, August 24, 1914, the son of George Moses and Eva (Gage) Barnett.
George attended school in Crown Point and went on to graduate from St. Lawrence University and then gained his masters degree from Syracuse University. While attending St. Lawrence University, George met his future wife, Grace Ann Rapalee. The couple was married on August 28, 1937 and celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2011.
George began his career as a science teacher in Fort Plain and moved on to become the principal of the Elizabethtown Lewis Central School before joining the Champlain Valley Federal Savings and Loan Association of Plattsburgh where he retired as the president of the bank in 1977. During his tenure, George served on the Northern League of Saving and Loan Associations, the Saving and Loan Association League of New York as well as becoming a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. After his retirement, George served for many years as a Director of the Champlain Valley Federal Savings and Loan.
During his working years, George was an active member of the Plattsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Clinton Country Area Development Corporation and helped attract many new businesses and jobs to the North Country. He was also a member of the Peru Community Church.
George and Grace spent many fun filled winters in Florida following their retirement. They became avid golfers and enjoyed spending time with their many friends, both new and old. George enjoyed hunting, boating, gardening, building, tinkering, inventing and above all, a GOOD JOKE.
Survivors include his son, George M. Barnett and Natalie of Point Au Roche; daughter, Faith Baker of Dover, N.H.; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
There will be no public calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Peru Community Church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Gods Acre Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Peru Community Church, PO Box 38, Peru, NY, 12972.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of George Barnett please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com
