HORNELL- Former Hornell Police Officer and Public Safety Commissioner, George P. Huffsmith, 96, of Bennett St., passed away late Wednesday afternoon (March 11, 2015) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.
Born in East Stroudsburg, Pa. on Feb. 28, 1919, he was a son of the late William and Alta Lee Huffsmith. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife of 69 years, the former Gertrude “Gert” Partridge on June 14, 2014; they were married on Dec. 8, 1945 at the First Baptist Church in Hornell; also his sister, Clara Devivo and his three brothers, Harold, Lloyd and Judson Huffsmith.
A resident of Hornell for most of his life, George was a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School and attended the University of Vermont. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a crew engineer during World War II from 1941 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1945.
After returning to Hornell he joined the Hornell Police Department and served as a patrolman for 30 years before his retirement. In 1986 he was appointed as the Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Hornell and served on the Public Safety Board for 24 years.
George was a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell and was a member of the Maple City Police Club. He served as a past president of the Hornell Little League for 15 years and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. For six years he volunteered with the Hornell Babe Ruth League and also assisted with the Midget Football programs in the area. A co-founder of the Hornell Cinderella Softball, George was a past-president of the National Board of Cinderella Softball in Corning as well as serving as a coach for more than 20 years. For over 40 years he served as chairman for the Hornell Salvation Army and was a past vice-president of the Rural & Hope Cemetery Association in Hornell.
An avid sportsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was devoted fan of the N.Y. Giants and the San Francisco Giants.
A man of great character, George will be remembered for his compassion and his many acts of kindness, too numerous to mention.
His loving family includes his seven children, Philip (Linda) Huffsmith of Charlotte, N.C., Mark (Mary Helen) Huffsmith of Moorhead, Minn., Susan (Matt) Dwyer of Albany, Rev. Dr. George (Joanne) Huffsmith of Kalamazoo, Mich., Sarah Knickerbocker of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., Sandra (Ted) Hillman of Hornell and Peter (Debi) Huffsmith, also of Hornell; his 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of George P. Huffsmith.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held in his memory at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Hornell; his son, Rev. Dr. George Huffsmith and Pastor Cedric Cooper, M. Div. will officiate. Interment will be in the Howard Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the First Baptist Church, 28 Church St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843.
Online condolences or remembrances of George are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
