George Leonard Way Sr.

George Leonard Way, Sr., passed away peacefully January 2, 2012 with his fiancé and longtime companion by his side.

Mr. Way, "Pop-Pop" as he was affectionately known, was born April 20, 1937 to the late Gordon and Bertha Way in Poughkeepsie, New York. He served our country proudly in the U.S. Air Force. He was a longtime, devoted member of the Salvation Army. He was an avid Trumpet and Clarinet player. He enjoyed going to the movies, meticulously putting together models, and being “George”. He was a quiet man but yet had a sense of warmth and kindness that was hard to see at first but eventually shined through. Even though George may be gone, the mark he left on this world and those who knew him will never be forgotten.

Left to cherish his memory is: his fiancé and longtime best friend and companion, Willetta J. Bartol; two sons, George Way, Jr. and Richard Allen Way; three grandchildren: Justin, Courtney, and Trevor Way; a brother, Bill Way; three sisters: Emma Way, Anna Mae Moyer, and Dorothy Hughes. Mr. Way spent the last 20 years of his life in Virginia alongside Ms. Bartol and her family and they are: two sons: David S. Strickland and longtime companion Marylou Jacinto, Michael S. Strickland and fiancé Meredith L. Register; two daughters: Ruth Jacinto and Nancy Strickland; four grandchildren: Trina Jacinto, C.J. Jacinto and fiancé Ashley Stumpf; Stephanie Withrow, and Crystal Tillman and husband Martel; and two great-granddaughters Treazure Tillman and Leilah Jacinto, Preceding George in death are a brother John Way, Sr., sister Bertha Woodin his first wife Martha Eleanor Way and Ms. Bartol’s daughter, Berneda Flora.

A celebration of Mr. Way’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, January 22nd at The Salvation Army on Pershing Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.mem.com