George Edward Thearle

A creative and curious spirit, George was born in 1947 in New York City. He grew up in Levittown, NY, but his favorite childhood memories were formed spending summers at the ‘Country House’ in the Catskills with his siblings. His life’s journey extended from serving the church at the Society of St. Paul to serving our country as a 2nd class petty officer in the U.S. Navy.

While in the Navy, he met Marjorie, whom he married in 1971. Together, they built a life that took them from Buffalo, NY, where he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College, to New Paltz, where he received his Masters in Education from SUNY New Paltz, before they settled in Owego, NY to raise their 3 daughters. In the Owego-Apalachin School District, he inspired students as an Elementary School Art Teacher and supported the community at Camp Ahwaga Summer Program for special needs children and as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Owego. Always one to step up to a challenge, he eventually became the OES principal. George and Marjorie’s favorite vacation spot was Cape Cod, and after retirement, they settled there permanently in Hyannis, where they could appreciate the ocean. During retirement, they drove across the United States multiple times; some of their favorite vacation spots included the Southwest U.S. and National Parks. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Yosemite National Park, surrounded by their greatest legacy - their children and grandchildren.

Throughout all this time, George’s life was defined by his creative endeavors and dedication to his family. There wasn’t a day that went by where George wasn’t drawing, painting, composing poetry, or gardening. Even when visiting his children, he always found something to improve and a project to work on. He loved nothing more than reading a good book or playing board games with his grandchildren.

George is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie nee Doebler, his three daughters, Marie (Frank Raia) Thearle, Julie (Greg) Wolfley, and Sarah (Jess Lane) Thearle, along with his five grandchildren, Josephine, Lillian, Eva, Griffin, and Dylan. He is also survived by his siblings: Regina Doebler, Tommy Thearle, Cathy Law, Peter Thearle, Mary O’Donnell, Paul Thearle, and Patrick Thearle. He is predeceased by his brothers Mike and Reg Thearle.

As the tide ebbed on his life, he had one last walk to the little beach at the Cape, took a picture of his garden, and picked a few last weeds.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Osterville library: http://store-ostervillevillagelibrary-org.3dcartstores.com/Donation_p_19.html

Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 8th from 4 to 6 PM at Deane Beal and Ames, 160 West Main St. Barnstable, MA 02601. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews By The Sea, 12 Irving Ave, Hyannisport, MA 02647 on Friday, September 9, at 11 AM. A memorial at a later date will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Owego.