George R. Havens

George R. Havens, 81, of Penn Yan, NY passed away at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital on Thursday, November 13, 2014. George Havens survived by his loving wife of 50 years Bertha (Fingar) Havens, children David Havens, Jeanne Kress Marshall, and Kenneth Kress, grandchildren Nicole (Brian) Teeter, and Melissa Kress. He is also survived by siblings Shirley Travis, Irving and Charlie Havens and several nieces and nephews. George is predeceased by his parents and son Mark Kress.

George was born on September 6th of 1933 in Elmira, NY, son of the late Emmit and Leila (Morse) Havens. George graduated from Penn Yan Academy and then went on to serve in the Marine Corps for four years. After his time in the armed forces he made a career in construction as a union carpenter. Once he left carpentry he went to work at Penn Yan Academy as the head of maintenance. Once George retired he enjoyed the time he spent working with the gang at Marble's Automotive.

George had many loves in life, two of those being hunting and sports. George loved watching the New York Yankees, and the New York football Giants. George played football and basketball and was inducted into the Penn Yan Academy sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1948 football team. George also went on to be a coach and a commissioner in Penn Yan Little and Senior Leagues and Yates County Junior Football, but his greatest love was the time he spent with his family and watching his children and grandchildren grow. George enjoyed the many vacations and holidays spent with the family and helped create memories that will last well beyond his time.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend calling hours on Monday, November 17th from 3:00- 7:00pm at the Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY. George's funeral service will be on Saturday, November 29th at 10:00am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors to follow at Branchport Cemetery.