ONEONTA - George W. Cuyler Jr., 87, died October 8, 2009 at his home, surrounded by family, after an extended illness.

George was born August 17, 1922 in Stuyvesant, New York to Harriet (Best) and George W. Cuyler, and attended Kinderhook schools. He served during WWII with the Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1943. Coming to Oneonta as a surveyor with the D&H Railroad, he met Wava L. Hatcher and they were married at St. James' Episcopal Church on Thanksgiving Day 1944.

George operated the Mid City Service Station on Main Street. He then worked as an area salesman for the Sunshine Biscuit Company for more than 20 years, before starting with the Maintenance and Operations Center at SUNY Oneonta, from which he retired in 1986. George was a Life Member of the Oneonta Lodge BPOE #1312.

He loved cars and enjoyed many happy summers with his family boating on Otsego Lake.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gladys Puckett, in 1999.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years; three sons, G. William (Denise) of Oneonta, Christopher (Jackie) of Amissville VA, David of Dover DE, and a daughter, Alison (James Seymour) of Glenville NY; grandchildren Jacqueline (Chris) Jones of Schenectady NY, Karen (Tom) Oliver of Oneonta, Diane Cuyler of Amherst NY, Michael (Chieko) Cuyler of Bristow VA, Daniel Seymour of Ballston Lake NY, and Daniel and Dylan Cuyler of Dover DE; great-grandchildren Christina and Abigail Jones, Clark Oliver, and Kosei, May Elizabeth and Anika Cooper Cuyler; and several nieces and nephews.

To honor George's wishes, there will be no calling hours. A service to celebrate his life will take place at St. James' Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta, on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with his interment, with military honor's, in the church's columbarium. Immediately following the service, all present are welcome to gather in the church's Great Hall for refreshments, where the family will be in attendance.

The family would like to thank Dr. Marvel and the staff at Bassett Health Care, and the caregivers of the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, for their kindness and compassion toward George.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in George's name to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, or to a charity of one's choice.

To send an online condolence, visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements by the Lewis Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.