In Memory of George Sellars

Obituary

George Sellars, 82, of New Hartford, passed away December 23, 2018 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.

He was born February 23, 1936 in the Bronx, NY, son of the late John MacDonald Sellars and Jean Beattie Sellars.

He moved to Utica on June 28, 1944 with his younger brother Jim and took up residence in the Masonic Home Orphanage. His experience at the orphanage was very rewarding in that he made life-long friends with his “brothers and sisters” who shared the common experience. He had great appreciation for the Masons of New York State and was forever indebted to them for what they did for him while under their excellent care.

He attended Wetmore Grammar School and graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School, class of 1953. He graduated from Mohawk Valley Technical Institute in 1956 with an AAS degree in Mechanical Engineering.

George married the love of his life, Lucille Siegwart on August 29, 1959.

George was employed by Special Metals Corporation for 44 years. After retirement his love for driving led him to Steet Toyota where he drove part-time as a dealer trade driver for 13 years.

At Notre Dame High School’s 1972 Graduation Ceremony he was singled out as their recipient of the Notre Dame Medal. It was presented to him by the Notre Dame Principal Brother Moore who stated that George is someone our students should emulate. This was a high honor for him.

His family was always his first love. He and his wife Lucille’s primary focus was to love, support, guide and enjoy everything God had blessed them with. He had fond memories of volunteering in New Hartford Youth Organizations. He was involved in Little League, Youth Hockey and Biddy Basketball for many years.

George was an avid Yankees, NY Giants and SU fan. He was a big supporter of his grandchildren and their sports and activities. When he was no longer able to attend in person he would cheer them on while watching live streams of the games on his iPad.

There was nothing he enjoyed more than bringing his grandchildren to the Masonic Home Camp and sharing his childhood memories and experiences. He treasured family parties and frequent visits with them listening to his stories. He will be truly missed by all 14 of his grandchildren who loved him dearly.

George is survived by his wife Lucille (the Queen); his children Jean (Carl) Castelletti, of Sauquoit, David (Deborah) Sellars of New Hartford, Donna (Dave) Roback of Deerfield, Diane (Mark) Christensen of Whitesboro and Sue (Chris) Sheaffer of New Hartford; his grandchildren C.J., Caitlin and Andrew Castelletti, Kara, Michael and Kristen Sellars, Christine, Stephany (Mike) Scalzo, Stephen and Kevin Roback, Sean and Megan Christensen, Erica and Alison Sheaffer. He also leaves his brother James (Sara) Sellars of CA; his sisters-in-law Mary Ann (Mike) Trunfio of New York Mills and Joan Ryan of Trumbull, CT and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Peg Mckenzie, his sisters-in-law Carolyn McCarthy Wilcock, Dorothy Kelly and Alice Burns and his brother-in-law William Ryan.

The family extends their sincere thanks to Debbie Sellars, Edwards Ambulance Service and the staff at Faxton-St. Lukes Healthcare for the care given to George.

The funeral will be on Thursday at 11:00 AM at Tompkins Chapel at the Masonic Home. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Calling hours are on Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.