Greenfield, MA – GEORGE SAYRE VANDELINDER passed away in Boston on Sunday, March 15 after a short battle with cancer. The facts of his life do not describe the goodness of this man who was so loved by family, friends and many members of the Greenfield community. George was known for his ability to connect with everyone and offered his help whenever needed.
George was born in South Charleston, West Virginia in 1953. He received his degree in Engineering from Virginia Tech and worked in a variety of industries in Ohio and the Northeast.
In 2005 he met the love of his life: Ellen Boyer. They moved to Greenfield where Ellen was head Librarian at the Greenfield Library. George became head of Central Maintenance for the City where he made many friends. George was known by his coworkers for his willingness to tackle any task, even if it meant doing it himself. He could troubleshoot sophisticated HVAC systems, but he also did not hesitate to pitch in on simple tasks where help was needed. To George, it was all part of the job. After retirement in 2024, George served on the Franklin County Technical School Committee.
George was an outdoors enthusiast and animal advocate with special affection for dogs and owls. He was always ready for the next hike or camping trip with his son or his brother. He and his brother planned annual hiking trips all over the country for thirty years, from the Chihuahuan desert of Big Bend Texas to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. George was a builder and salvager, often with the help of his son Russell who is a locksmith in Greenfield. One of his favorite projects was restoration of a 1965 Honda Dream cycle. His love of music was evident in his large collection of records and an endless playlist inspired by his daughter.
George’s light still shines brightly through his partner, Ellen Boyer, his children Russell and Elizabeth VanDelinder, his brother David VanDelinder, sister Kristin Menard and his dog, Annie. In many ways, George showed us all how to live together with respect and compassion for everyone.
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