George L. Songer

George L. Songer, 88, formerly of Abbott Road, Bradford, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Chapel Ridge. 

Born on November 2, 1935, in Lafayette Township, he was a son of the late LaVerne J. and Anne Loretta (Veroche) Songer.

George graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1953. 

On September 15, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and received an honorable discharge on September 14, 1956. 

On November 19, 1960, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church he married Judith L. (Franks) Songer who preceded him in death on September 17, 2013.

George earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1961, and his Master’s Degree in Education-Guidance and Counseling, from St. Bonaventure University in 1968. He did graduate work at the University of Buffalo, and the University of Kentucky. He earned a General Electric Fellowship from Boston University in 1974. 

George was the Guidance Counselor at Limestone Union Free School until he retired in 1994.  

He was a dedicated member of St. Bernard Church.

George was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, educator, and friend to all.  He was an avid fisherman and eagerly looked forward to the annual Kinzua Fly Fishing School held at University of Pittsbugh at Bradford. George was also instrumental in the addition of the train themed playground at Kinzua Bridge State Park as a member of the Kinzua Bridge Foundation.

Surviving are two daughters, Tamara C. Songer, of Cheyenne, WY, and Julia A. Songer, of Frisco, TX, one son, George L. Songer, of Washington, DC, two grandchildren, Nicholas Royer, of Orlando, FL, and Elias (Loryn) Royer, of Pittsburgh, PA, one great grandson Henry Royer, one sister in-law, Genevieve Songer, of Emporium, and dear friend, Joan Mongillo, of Bradford.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, of 53 years, and one brother Lauren Songer.

Family will receive friends on Saturday January 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, where at 11:00 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Fr. Jim Gutting, as Celebrant. Followed by Full Military Honors accorded by the United States Marine Corps and the Honor Guard of the Bradford Legion Post 108, at St. Bernard Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to  the Kinzua Bridge Foundation which is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Kinzua Bridge, or a charity of the donor's choice. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

 
 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers ????????
— Lagwen Turner

Sadness struck me like a punch in my stomach. I loved George with all my heart. We shared so many great times on Abbott Rd. The year His lovely wife Judy passed was The same year My Husband passed. George and I had a lot in common although we were years apart in age. George was good for my Soul. I''ll deeply miss his smile, his jokes and always for most always asking me how I''m doing. My deepest condolences go out to Tammy, Julie, George, His two grandsons and his great great grandson. Also all his wonderful friends and family members. George was A real Gentleman. You may be gone from this Earth , yet your reunited with your wife Judy. In my heart forever, Memories to make me smile. Hey George here''s to that funny face mask. That Bunny and Carol will remember. I''ll have it in my purse. Lovingly, your friend Donna Buccialia, Simons
— Donna

I was stricken with sadness to hear of George''s passing. I al ways considered him a good friend. First as my guidance counselor, then as a golfing buddy. He was the kindest person I have ever had the pleasure to know. I have faith that St. Peter was there, brimming with pleasure to shake the hand of such a great man. He''ll forever remain in my heart as a dear friend. God bless him.
— Larry Barrile

Dear Julie, Tammy, and George: My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear father! It''s a sad time for all of us! Being my first cousin and only a year apart in age, your dad and I became very close throughout our long lifetime! I''m so thankful that my children, Kim, Brad, Jonathan and Charles had the opportunity to spend some happy times with him, too! Thanks, George, for all of the many beautiful memories...you will be forever in my heart! I''ll miss you very much...now, rest in peace, "cuz"!
— Joanne (Palazzetti) Hayes

George was a dedicated educator to the Limestone Central School students. He always had the time for a joke or a chat. The doors of heaven swung open for this kind and giving man.
— Marian Rummer Higgins Class of 1968

I was so sorry to hear of George’s passing. We were first cousins and enjoyed many good times together when our large family met for reunions. In later years, I visited him several times at his home in The Villages in Florida. He loved life, and was the life of the party, and we all loved him. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest well, dear George.
— Marilyn Drew Johnson

WITH GREAT SADNESS, WE WILL MISS HIM GREATLY, RESIDENTS OF CHAPEL RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING.
— rita palmer

With my deepest condolences to the Songer family.
— Janice Pakula

Dear Julie, Tammy, and George, I''m very sorry your Dad has passed. I''m sure he was greeted by Uncle Lauren with a welcome hug and a brotherly remark as was often the case. Know you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss. Love you, Aunt Jennie
— Jennie Songer

Rest in peace George.. God bless all the family during this difficult time. Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN

I am sorry for your loss. I worked with George at the Limestone UFSD from 1968 until 1985.
— William Bigley

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Songer. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a student and as a co-worker. I always enjoyed our conversations, especially his sense of humor. The world certainly lost one of the good ones!
— Linda Stack Thiel

We are so sorry to hear about George''s passing. He and I had a special relationship even though we didn''t see each other often. I always enjoyed catching up with him. He and Mom/ Anita were first cousins, and we know how important family and loved ones were to him. Praying for strength as you struggle through the difficult days ahead. Love, Anita and Toni Ann
— Toni Ann Magnetti

What a great guy. I''ve got many fond memories with him spanning nearly 50 years. George always planted Jelly beans at Easter. The following morning the yard was full of lollipops. My kids still do this with my grandkids. Rest in peace, my good friend. Tell Judith I said hello.
— Tim Hayden

Condolences

  • So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers ????????

    — Lagwen Turner
  • Sadness struck me like a punch in my stomach. I loved George with all my heart. We shared so many great times on Abbott Rd. The year His lovely wife Judy passed was The same year My Husband passed. George and I had a lot in common although we were years apart in age. George was good for my Soul. I''ll deeply miss his smile, his jokes and always for most always asking me how I''m doing. My deepest condolences go out to Tammy, Julie, George, His two grandsons and his great great grandson. Also all his wonderful friends and family members. George was A real Gentleman. You may be gone from this Earth , yet your reunited with your wife Judy. In my heart forever, Memories to make me smile. Hey George here''s to that funny face mask. That Bunny and Carol will remember. I''ll have it in my purse. Lovingly, your friend Donna Buccialia, Simons

    — Donna
  • I was stricken with sadness to hear of George''s passing. I al ways considered him a good friend. First as my guidance counselor, then as a golfing buddy. He was the kindest person I have ever had the pleasure to know. I have faith that St. Peter was there, brimming with pleasure to shake the hand of such a great man. He''ll forever remain in my heart as a dear friend. God bless him.

    — Larry Barrile
  • Dear Julie, Tammy, and George: My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear father! It''s a sad time for all of us! Being my first cousin and only a year apart in age, your dad and I became very close throughout our long lifetime! I''m so thankful that my children, Kim, Brad, Jonathan and Charles had the opportunity to spend some happy times with him, too! Thanks, George, for all of the many beautiful memories...you will be forever in my heart! I''ll miss you very much...now, rest in peace, "cuz"!

    — Joanne (Palazzetti) Hayes
  • George was a dedicated educator to the Limestone Central School students. He always had the time for a joke or a chat. The doors of heaven swung open for this kind and giving man.

    — Marian Rummer Higgins Class of 1968