George J. Halvorsen
August 5, 1928—April 23, 2020
Cornwall, NY
George J. Halvorsen of Cornwall, NY entered into eternal rest on April 23, 2020 at the Kaplan Family Residence. He was 91 years old.
The son of the late George H. Halvorsen and Louise (Smith) Halvorsen, George was born on August 5, 1928 in Cornwall, NY.
George started working very young at NYMA and went on to work briefly at Firth Carpet Company. He was retired from the Cornwall Press and The Cornwall School District. His work ethic was evident in everything he did.
George was a Past Chief of Cornwall Fire Department. Having joined the Highland Engine Company in 1951, George was a 69 year Life Member. As chief in 1970, George was involved in expanding, modernizing, and relocating the firehouse to the Chadeayne Circle, where it stands today. His other accolades include Past President of Highland Engine Company, Commissioner of The Canterbury Fire District as well as being a life member of the Orange County Volunteer Firemens’ Association and the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Association. He was also an Honor Member of Highland’s sister company, Mountainville Engine Company. George’s passion for volunteering as a firefighter has been passed on to his son Joe Halvorsen as well as his grandchildren, Sarah Gatterdum and Josh Halvorsen. George’s children fondly remember the Fire Phone that rang in their house when there was a fire, and knew not to answer it! It was a novelty that dad was able to blow the fire whistle from their home!.
In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his loving wife Jeanne Halvorsen in October of 2017. He is survived by one brother Robert Halvorsen and wife Joan of Georgia. He was predeceased by brothers Raymond, Thomas, and Harold, along with sisters Florence and Elizabeth (Betty). He leaves behind daughters: Michele Powell and husband Steven, Cheryl Gatterdum and husband Dennis, Darlene Sarchino and husband Joseph, all of Cornwall, NY; his son Joseph Halvorsen and wife Joyce of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Cherished grandchildren left behind are: Sarah Gatterdum, Matthew Powell, Kristen Halvorsen, Nichole Calamari and husband Steve, Katelyn Powell, Allison Sarchino, Amanda Sarchino and Joshua Halvorsen. George was thrilled to meet and hold his first great grandchild, Peyton Calamari. He loved his grandchildren!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23rd at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.
The family wishes donations to The Hospice Family Residence, Newburgh, NY or the Hudson Valley Food pantry as they strive to meet the needs of those who have been affected by the current CoronaVirus.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc. To send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com