Necrology

William Gabb George '58

Aug. 4, 1936-Nov. 8, 2021

William Gabb George ’58 was born in Watertown, N.Y., on Aug. 4, 1936, and died in Waynesboro, Pa., on Nov. 8, 2021. Raised in Chaumont, N.Y., at the east end of Lake Ontario, he came to Hamilton from Watertown (N.Y.) High School. A member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, he majored in English literature, played saxophone in the Pep Band, and was in the French Club during his first two years. As a sophomore, he joined the Sailing Club and during his last two years was part of the International Relations Club. 

Following graduation, Bill entered graduate school at Columbia University to pursue studies in hospital administration, earning a master’s degree in 1960. While at Columbia, he married Elizabeth Anne Smith, whom he had met while on the Hill; she was also from the Watertown area. They were married for 62 years and had three daughters.

Entering the Navy after Columbia, he served in two hospitals as part of the Medical Service Corps before being honorably discharged in 1964 with the rank of lieutenant. For the next 38 years, he worked in hospital management, beginning as an assistant administrator at Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington, Vt., from 1965 to 1972. Thereafter, he worked in the administration of the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., (1972-77) and at the Andrew Kaul Hospital in St. Marys, Pa. (1978-80). From 1980 until his retirement in 2002, Bill was affiliated with Waynesboro (Pa.) Hospital and Summit Health, an organization he created by overseeing the merger of Waynesboro Hospital with Chambersburg (Pa.) Hospital. At his retirement, he was senior vice president and senior operating officer of Summit Health.

In retirement Bill and Liz divided their time between Waynesboro and a summer residence in Chaumont, where he sailed regularly with family and friends.

Bill took seriously the idea of community service. He served terms as president of the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania as well as of The United Way. An active Rotarian, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and provided transportation for clients of Wayneboro’s Community and Human Services program. For a time, he participated in the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Program, assisting those needing help with income tax filings. He was also active in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where he served as senior warden, as a member of the vestry, and as financial officer.

Bill is survived by his wife, their three daughters, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his niece Sally G. Boulter ’87. He was preceded in death by, among others, his father, H. “Louis” L. George ’23, P’52,’58, GP’87, his uncle Wardell D. George ’22, and his brother Henry L. George ’52.

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