Obituary of George E. Erwin

GEORGE E. ERWIN Albany- George E. Erwin, 79 of Albany, beloved husband of Barbara Erwin, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 13, 2007 at the Community Hospice in Julie Blair Nursing Home, in Albany. Born in Albany NY on September 26, 1927, he was the son of the late George E. Sr. and Marie (Waters) Erwin. It was on October 19, 1957 that he was joined in marriage to the former Barbara Latimer. The two shared a loving union of almost 50 years prior to his passing. He attended Milne HS until June of 1945, when he left school to enlist in the US Navy until June of 1946, serving in the South Pacific. Upon his return he graduated from Milne H.S. in 1947, at which time he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and served until 1987 with many commendations and awards. George was also a life member of the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Dept. for more than 50 years, 28 years as an officer and serving as chief from 1960-1969 and on the Board of Directors thereafter. During this time Mr. Erwin also served as a member of the Town of Colonie Fire Protection Committee as Coordinator from 1960-1964 and again from 1975-1977, eventually serving for a total of 21 years as an officer. He was instrumental in implementing advanced training methods and new technology to the fire service on a local basis. Georges accomplishments included; adopting a mutual aid plan, mutual aid radio system, town air bank, a fire control center at Town Hall, the Fire Training Center on Wade Rd. and the Town of Colonie Disaster Preparedness. His ability to coordinate these efforts in the fire service was recognized throughout the state. George was also a Town of Colonie Fire Conference Chairman, and was also the first Town of Colonie Fireman of the Year in 1970-1971. George was employed with the Mohawk Brush Company from 1952-1972. From 1972 -1995 he was the purchasing agent for the Town of Colonie, where he oversaw large growth throughout the town. He was always there; ready to serve no matter what was needed and never wanting recognition. He and his wife loved to travel; Cape Cod was a mainstay for over 40 years. But the Caribbean had become their love in his later years, having visited most all of the islands including their honeymoon spot, Bermuda. George touched and inspired all who knew him with his warmth, calm demeanor, always kind words and most of all a helping hand. The Old Salt will be greatly missed Survivors in addition to his wife are his loving children George E. Erwin III of Albany, Patricia (Shaun) Deyo of Colonie & Nancy (James) Buck of Long Beach Ca. He cherished in the heart the memory of his son James L. Erwin who passed away in 1963. He is also survived by 3 cherished granddaughters Katie & Elizabeth Deyo and Jasmine Swint and 2 great grandsons; Gabriel and Aidan. George is also survived by one sister Alice Revelia of Ballston Spa and was the brother in law of: Patricia (William) King of Md., William (Nita) Latimer of Ga., Paul (Patricia) Latimer of Albany, and Evelyn Latimer of Fl. and his former daughter-in-law Cynthia Swint of Niskayuna. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law James L. Latimer. The family wishes to extend special thank you to their dear friends Robert and Arlene Dawson and the Bright Horizons program at the Provincial House. In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations to be made to the Alzheimers Assoc. of Northeastern NY, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany NY 12206 Funeral services will be held on Monday September 17, 2007 at 11:00 am at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville where Georges Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Michael Farano. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham on Sunday from 2-6 PM. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. For directions or to light a candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com