Harry Alfred George

02/21/2002

Harry Alfred George, 88, of 639 Ashland St., president of H.A. George and Sons Fuel Co. Inc., died yesterday at North Adams Regional Hospital, where he had been admitted Sunday. Born on Berlin Mountain in Williamstown on Aug. 19, 1913, son of Harry J. and Caroline Klienhens George, he moved to North Adams in 1919 and graduated from Drury High School, where he was active in sports. As a young man, he helped operate the former Harrison Farm on Massachusetts Avenue, which his family owned. He also had worked for the former Railway Express Co. In the 1940s, he purchased property on Ashland Street, where he raised chickens and sold eggs. He also purchased his first gas and propane tanks to begin a fuel business, which grew to include home, propane and bulk fuel. He retired in 2001 and turned the operation of the business over to his sons. An ardent horseman, he raised show and jumping horses for many years. He and his sons participated in horse shows throughout New England. He also sponsored horse shows for charitable organizations. In later years, he raised thoroughbred horses, which he raced at several tracks on the East Coast and in Canada. Mr. George was a member of First Congregational Church, where he served as deacon and was past president of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He was a member and past president of the North Adams Kiwanis Club, and was a 32nd-degree Mason and member of the Lafayette-Greylock Lodge of Masons, AF&AM, and of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons. He also was a member of the Melha Temple of Shriners in Springfield. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying in his early years. He also enjoyed trips to Cape Cod. His first wife, the former Helen Hickey, died Oct. 20, 1994. He leaves his wife, the former Eleanor Whitman Betti, whom he married Jan. 27, 2001; three sons, Alfred H. George, Donald J. George and Lawrence H. George, all of North Adams; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Monday at 10 from First Congregational Church, North Adams, with the Rev. Jill D. Graham, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown. Calling hours at AUGE-SAN SOUCIE-SIMMONS FUNERAL HOME, North Adams, will be Sunday from 1 to 4. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to either First Congregational Church or North Adams Regional Hospital, through the funeral home, 46 North Church St., North Adams, MA 01247.

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