HAMPTON, N.H. — Mr. George E. Wall, 96, of Hampton and Conway, N.H., passed away peacefully on May 19, 2016.
He was born in Lynn on Nov. 19, 1919, to the late John H. and Hilda (Martin) Wall and was the youngest of three children. George was married for 55 years to the late Daryll E. Johnson Wall. He was predeceased by brothers, John and William Wall and sister, Lillian Cody. He is survived by his three children, George Wall II of Old Saybrook, Conn., Thomas Wall of Lancaster, Pa., and Kathleen Lewis of Lynn, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
George grew up in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English in 1937 and he earned an Electrical Engineering Degree from Northeastern University in 1942. He entered the Navy and served as a Lieutenant JG in the Seabees in 1944 and was stationed in Okinawa. He remained in the Navy as a reservist until 1951.
After his graduation from Northeastern University in 1942, he started work with the General Electric Co., Engineering Test Program in Lynn. He had assignments at West Lynn, River Works, Schenectady and Philadelphia, before returning to the Instrument Department in Lynn. He was plant manager of the Allerton Street Plant.
George was a member of Lynn’s Planning Board for nine years serving as chairman for seven years. He became manager of the Gear Motor product section plant in Paterson, N.J., in 1970. He was president of the Paterson, N.J., Chamber of Commerce. In 1974 George returned to Lynn in the General Electric Small Aircraft Engine Department in 1974, from which he retired in 1984 after 42 years of service with GE. He became President of Babco Machine Company in Danversport. He was also the past director of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.
George was an accomplished downhill skier up until the age of 89. Tennis was a lifetime sport he enjoyed and excelled at. He was a member and Past Deacon of First Church of Christ Congregational in Lynn and a member of the Golden Fleece Lodge, A.F. and A.M. for 63 years.
Throughout his life, George was a stalwart advocate for the animals of New Hampshire and surrounding areas. For more than 50 years George was a devoted volunteer and supporter for the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA). He was actively involved in the agency since the 1970’s. He served in a number of key capacities, he served as president of the board, treasurer, past president, trustee and was named one of the first honorary board members. In 2014 the agency honored George with its Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the first recipient of the Gurdon and Richard Metz Award for Recognition of Fearless Commitment and Dedicated Service to the Animals of the New Hampshire SPCA. George owned numerous cats, many which were adopted from the NHSPCA. He also supported the Agency’s work as a Legacy Circle member.
In reflecting on George’s advice, current Board President Julie Quinn observed, “As a board member and trustee, his commitment and passion was a great inspiration to the many board members who were privileged to serve with him. He reminded us that animals come to us in trust and we must foster and maintain the trust of the community for the sake of those animals.” Executive Director, Lisa Dennison said, “George and his words of wisdom will be missed, but remembered by the board, staff and volunteers at NHSPCA.”
Service information: George’s funeral will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 11 a.m., in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean St., (Route 1A), Lynn. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The family prefers in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the NHSPCE, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.