George Augustus Modeste

George Augustus Modeste was born August 24th, 1937 to Gladys Louisa Modeste in Caparo, on the beautiful twin island of Trinidad & Tobago. He grew up with his mother, Gladys, and his uncles, Wilfred and David who served as father figures and strong male role models. By his account, he was a curious boy who spent many days exploring nature, playing cricket, and spending time with friends including his cousin, Gilbert, who was like a little brother. George also took his studies very seriously and excelled in school.

Following his early education, George became a postman, and later a police constable in Trinidad serving his community for several years. It was during this period that he began courting Judy who had moved to the US and was visiting her family in Trinidad.They began a long distance relationship and were married in San Fernando, Trinidad on January 26th,1969. George then immigrated to the US in July 1969. His marriage to Judy produced two daughters, Arlene and Alicia, who passed away from pneumonia at the tender age of 3 months.

Always an ambitious person, George earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Baruch College in New York. Opportunities for him in the 70’s in this field were scarce so he sought employment at Con Edison, a New York utility company. George worked at Con Edison for 25 years as a customer service representative until his retirement. Upon retirement, George took up cooking and became quite good, blessing family and friends with many delicious meals.

Education was important to George so he and Judy moved to Long Island, NY from Brooklyn to provide greater educational opportunities for their daughter, Arlene, despite having to commute nearly 4 hours a day to and from his job in Brooklyn. George also had an entrepreneurial spirit, and started several businesses while in Long Island, always with the mindset to support his family and help his community.

In 2005, George and Judy moved to Maryland to be close to Arlene, her husband, Nigel, and grandsons Devin and Sean. George especially enjoyed playing dominoes with Sean, and threatening to pick fights with strangers so that Devin, a Black Belt in Karate, would have to defend him. When not teasing his grandsons and telling jokes he found so funny he couldn't get to the punchline without laughing,George enjoyed listening to calypso and soca music.These things brought him so much joy.

Family was everything to George and he loved his wife immensely. As her illnesses progressed and she moved to a long term care facility, George spent hours sitting with her 4-5 days each week, and then researching ways to improve her health. He also spent many hours on his porch enjoying nature and engaging with his neighbors.

George was predeceased by his daughter, Alicia Germaine Modeste; his cousin, Ruth Modeste; his brother-in-law Hansel Leon; and his sister-in-law, Earline Leon.

George leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Judy Modeste; daughter, Arlene Modeste Knowles; son-in-law, Nigel Knowles; grandsons, Devin & Sean Knowles; cousins, Hannah Seenath (Modeste), Martha Emmanuel (Modeste), and Gilbert Modeste; sisters-in-law, Betty Leon, Valerie West, Emerald Williams, and Angela Dickerson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all love him dearly.