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