George A. Hackett

George A. Hackett, of Blauvelt, New York, born on February 22, 1932 in the Bronx, New York, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2019, with his beloved family at his side. George was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Beverly who passed on April 4, 2018. George is survived by his devoted children, Jeannie Downes (Jimmy); George Hackett (Carol); and Jackie Hackett; and five grandchildren, Will English (James Stark); Laurel Franklin (Adam); Jaclyn, Jessica; and Julie Hackett. George was a beloved patriarch of and mentor to his large, extended family, offering his sage advice, unwavering support, stern discipline when required, and endless and unconditional love to all who knew him. George is a veteran of the United States Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict as 1st Class Quartermaster of the U.S.S. Macon. Following the completion of his service to our country, George worked briefly in the banking industry where he met his beloved wife, Beverly. George was a Police Officer with the New York City Police Department until his retirement, at which time he began his second career as a College Professor and eventual Chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at Rockland Community College, where he taught and mentored thousands of law enforcement professionals for over 27 years before retiring. George worked hard throughout his life, gaining first his Bachelor’s Degree and then his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, while working full time as a police officer and raising his family. He devoted himself tirelessly to his family, to law enforcement, military service and service to his community. George coached Little League, and served as 4H Club Leader for his children. He served as Chairman of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Rockland, taught at the Rockland County Police Academy and Supervisors Training School and was the Commissioner of the Rockland County Parole Review Board. He was a proud member of the Raymond DeMeola VFW post and participated in many causes to aid our beloved Veterans. George was honored by receiving the NYS Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the first educator of criminal justice to have ever been honored with the award. George also was active in service to St. Catherine’s church, and served as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound and patients at Nyack Hospital. He will be remembered for his loving and and generous spirit, his many stories and his incredible sense of humor.

Visiting Hours will be Thursday, May 2nd from 2-4 and 7-9 at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, 321 South Main Street, New City, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 3rd at 11:00 A.M. at St. Catherine’s Church, 523 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph Raso Hospice Residence and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.