In Memory of George M. Zook

Obituary

George M Zook, 77, of Vienna, New York, died on November 5th at Wynn Hospital following hospitalization from a brain injury. Born on August 31st, 1949, in Onieda, New York, as George Martin Zook III to George and Mary Zook (née Foster), George grew up in Syracuse and then Sylvan Beach. His beloved grandfather, Charles Foster, introduced him to his library, where he read his first chapter book: Animal Farm. George became an avid reader. As a young man, he moved gear for bands and contributed to both the youth culture and the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 60s. George refused to cut his hair for graduation, dropped out of Camden High School, attended Woodstock in 1969, and then moved to New Mexico to work construction. 

Later returning to New York State, George worked for Cablevision in Liberty, NY, as a Graphic Designer. Upon returning to the Utica area, he finalized his Associate's degree at Mohawk Valley Community College. He was hired as a Graphic Designer for the marketing team and began teaching classes in design at MVCC, where he worked for 19 years until retirement. George was known for his appreciation of aesthetic beauty, interest in scientific discovery, and a love for science fiction. Despite experiencing health issues throughout his life, he maintained a dark sense of humor. He jokingly referred to himself as a cyborg man, due to the metal medical devices within his body. George believed in forgiveness, second chances, and giving people on the street money. He spent his time working on his family’s home, his largest ongoing creative project. 

George is predeceased by his younger sister, Nancy Zook. He is survived by his wife, Christine Miller, and their two children, Terra and Brooke Miller Zook, Brother-in-law Mark Miller and spouse Dorilee Miller-Kopp of Madison Wisconsin, Brother-in-law William Miller of Gales Ferry, Connecticut, Sister-in-law Susan Miller and spouse Herve Dannelongue of Sandwich, Massachusetts, sister-in-law Elizabeth Miller and spouse Erich Salie of Utica, NY, and his beloved Mother-in-law Joy Ann Miller, as well his nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him. Special Thank you to nephew Gary Miller, NP, for his invaluable medical expertise during George’s hospitalization. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Wynn Hospital for their professionalism, humanity, and loving care. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 12th, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services at 13 Oxford Rd New Hartford, NY 13413. The Funeral Mass will be the following day, Friday, November 13th, at 11:00 AM at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2222 Genesee St, Utica. A live stream will air during the funeral on the YouTube channel @MaryMotherUticaNY.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.