George Edison Gayle

George Edison Gayle was born on July 23, 1943 to Alan Gayle and Adeline (Smith) Gayle the ninth of what would be ten children in La Lima, Honduras. The family lived on the United Fruit Company grounds where his father was a manger. His mother ran a restaurant serving local Spanish cuisine despite her Jamaican heritage. Known as the quiet brother among his siblings (as most of the Gayle brothers had unique “big” personalities) George enjoyed playing in the river with his friends, going to the movie theater to watch Western movies with his brothers, and playing soccer – though he primarily enjoyed being a spectator.

After completing his secondary education in Honduras, George immigrated to the United States in 1963, where he joined his family in Brooklyn, New York. He entered the workforce as a factory employee. As a legal permanent resident, George was subsequently drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict, where he received training as a sharpshooter. Upon fulfilling his military service, George returned to Brooklyn, utilizing the GI Bill to enroll at Brooklyn College. Following graduation, he began his professional career with NY Telephone as an operator and advanced through management positions within the company's Information Technology division. He remained with the organization through multiple transitions—including NY Telephone, Bell Atlantic, Nynex, and Verizon—ultimately retiring after a distinguished multi-decade tenure.

George was introduced to Marilyn in the early 1970s, and after several years of courtship, they married in 1975. Together, they built a life focused on a love for travel, education, financial literacy, and providing a nurturing environment for their daughters. As a dedicated father to Marissa and Tanya, George shared with them an appreciation for music and world history, as well as the importance of making prudent decisions for personal independence. He taught practical skills such as basic carpentry, tire changing, and sound financial investment. Although not openly expressive, George took great pride in his role as Abuelo. In this capacity, he remained dependable and supportive; he was Gabby’s first babysitter and a consistent presence for Andrew when returning home from school. George regularly attended recitals and sporting events, always offering encouragement and support with a smile.

George was loved by all who encountered him. His gentle spirit and even demeanor was welcoming. While he had many friends, if asked he would say his brothers and sister were his best friends. Yayito or Jorge as he was called by them was a critical part of the family.

George was an avid sports enthusiast, maintaining a steadfast loyalty to teams such as the Mets, Knicks, and Jets despite their frequent disappointments. His cable television package included comprehensive sports coverage, allowing him to follow international football matches closely, with particular support for the Honduran National Team. George was passionate about travel, exploring nearly every region of the world accompanied by his wife. He remained well-informed by reading the newspaper daily and regularly watching CNN. Upon retirement, George dedicated his time to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, contributing to home-building projects in Hillburn, New York. He also focused on managing his rental properties. Although he spent the majority of his life in the United States, George found comfort in speaking his native language, Spanish.

Above all, George had a deep love for the Lord. He enjoyed his role as a Deacon, both at Berea Nyack SDA—where he was baptized—and at his cherished First Church of Teaneck. He found great satisfaction in ensuring that the Lord’s House remained clean and well-organized.

George’s adult life was tied so tightly to his wife Marilyn, that when she passed in October 2024 his heart never beat the same.

George was predeceased by his parents, sisters Gloria and Winnifred, and brothers Davis, Clyde, and Chester. He is survived by daughters Marissa and Tanya; grandchildren Gabriella and Andrew; sister Joyce; brothers Edward, Winston, and Arthur; close cousins Roy and Geraldine; nieces Kancie, Annie, Dorothy, Barbara, Elsie, Heather, and Jennifer; nephews Davis Jr., Mark, Harry, Jamel, and Edley; and many other relatives and friends who mourn his loss of his passing.

A visiting service will be held on December 15, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the External Service Location, located at 405 E Englewood Ave, Teaneck, NJ, 07666, US.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, December 15, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the same venue.

A graveside service is scheduled for December 16, 2025, from 11:30 am to 11:45 am at Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 220 Brick Church Rd, Spring Valley, NY, 10977, US.