Wednesday, March 23, 2022

George Gardiner Probst, 87

Wellsville, NY—George Gardiner Probst, 87,  passed away at home on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.  He was born April 2, 1934 in Rochester, the son of the late George Richard and Hazel (Gardiner) Probst. He was also predeceased by one of his best friends, Wallace Copley. 

He was a 1953 graduate of Wellsville High School and a veteran of two branches of the U. S. Military.  George served in the United States Navy from 1954-1958 aboard aircraft carriers during his years of service.  He also served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967 as an ECM Repairman. He continued his education at Simmons School of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1962 as a licensed Funeral Director. George maintained his license thru the years.

After returning home to Wellsville George started his career at Dresser-Rand Inc. (formerly Worthington Corporation) on the 2nd shift and retired after 30 years of service.  He also was a part-time Audio Visual Technician at Alfred State college.

George was proud to serve in two branches of the Armed Forces and was a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment, which he readily explained to all his friends. George was also an accomplished photographer and enjoyed taking photos for IAM 1580 Turbo-Lines publication.  His love of the great outdoors was evident in the many hours he enjoyed canoeing at Pine Creek Grand Canyon with many friends. He also enjoyed hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing and camping.  He was at home on a trail of God’s great creation with wildlife and nature. He enjoyed traveling thru Yosemite National Park, the Appalachian Trail, and West Branch Ball Mountain in Maine.

George was a member of the former Wellsville Lodge #230 F&AM, the Corning Consistory, a 47 year member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion in Wellsville, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Susquehannock Trail Club, the US Air Force Association, International Assoc. of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM 1580), PA State Forest volunteer, and a former member of the  Wellsville Elks Lodge #1495.

George is survived by his twin sister, Gretchen Probst, who supported and assisted in his care during his final months.  He is also survived by his dear friend, Maureen Hauselt, whom he shared many happy times and wonderful memories.  He always reminisced with a smile about the many hikes, dinners and conversations they shared.  George was fond of his many friends with whom he enjoyed breakfast gatherings, hiking, traveling , and conversation. He was thankful for Rich Tidd and his family who always included him in their holiday gatherings, as well as Jim Peet and Kathy Hamlin for the friendship and support they gave him during his life. The kindness of Susan Bergeron, daughter of Wallace Copley, for also always including him in family events and outings.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be Saturday, March 26, at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


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