George Maley, Jr

Ilion - On February 22, 2025, George Maley peacefully departed this life, reuniting with his beloved wife, Barbara, whom he deeply missed. Born on November 22, 1930, in Flushing, NY, he was the son of the late George and Beatrice (Bartunek) Maley.

On September 28, 1952, George married the love of his life, Barbara M. Willse. Together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on December 22, 2022.

George dedicated much of his career to New York Telephone, where he worked from 1949 until his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement, he continued to lend his expertise as a consultant for Vernon Telephone. During his early years with NY Telephone, he played a key role in establishing the first Telephone Employee Credit Union.

A man deeply committed to his community, George served as a volunteer ambulance driver, a Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a Mason, generously giving his time to drive children to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston. In his full retirement, he and Barbara became active members of several art associations, supporting Barbara’s passion for painting.

Above all, George was a devoted family man, never missing an opportunity to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their sporting events. His spirited presence in the stands was well known, and referees quickly learned that if George disagreed with a call, he would make sure they knew it.

The following are words his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren want to express to honor their Grandfather:
A ”good man” is typically defined as a person who consistently demonstrates strong moral character, acts with integrity, is kind, compassionate, responsible, and strives to do the right thing even if it’s difficult – this was my Grandfather, for his entire life from as far back as I can remember until the day he took his last breathe…all the while making sure every single grandchild secretly believed that they were his favorite. There has been no one else that I have ever encountered that could compete with my Grandfather in this regard. Simply (but unquestionably) put…he was the best man I have ever known.

Grandpa was a non-judgmental man who always extended a hand for anyone in need when no one else was there or looking…and he expected nothing in return.
Grandpa was the most genuine man who gave everything to his family and friends, never expecting anything in return. He was completely selfless.
Grandpa was always well dressed, proper, never made a mistake, always did the right thing. He was patient, supportive, selfless…a true gentleman.

George is survived by his loving children: Lee Maley (Kim) of Ilion, NY; Lynn (Ted) Mowers of Ilion, NY; Jan Heap (Dave) of Herkimer, NY; Lois (Scott) Holden of Little York Lake, NY; and daughter-in-law Kim Maley (Steven) of Ilion, NY.

George was predeceased by his son, Steven Maley, and sons-in-law, Ted Mowers and Scott Holden.

He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to Steven and Heather Maley (Avery, Riley) of Frankfort, NY; Christopher and Kaycie Maley (Camryn, Colton) of Baltimore, MD; Eric W. and Christina Hall (Maxwell, Gracie, Ally) of Frankfort, NY; Shelly Hall and Christian Boniforti (Nathan) of Wellington, FL; Adam and Bobbi Hall (Jacob, River) of Cotopaxi, CO; Matthew and Jenn McCann (Brynn, Chase) of Kaneohe, HI; Luke McCann (Amber) of San Francisco, CA; Kyle and Cassie McCann (Kylie, Molly) of Springfield, OR; Esther Holden of Scarborough, ME; Graham Holden (Grayson) of Liverpool, NY; and Tyler and Sara Maley (Mason, Jaxson) of Ilion, NY. He was also blessed with cherished step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Rebekah and Brett Nelson (Autumn, Elise, Enora) of Saratoga, NY; Alicia Brady (Tyler, Kyla) of Gansevoort, NY; and Melissa and Scott Ashley (Devin, Lauren, Jillian) of Richfield Springs, NY. He is fondly remembered by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 3 - 5 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357. A service will follow at 5 PM with Rev. Betsy Jay and Rev. Victor McKusick, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s honor may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer, and Eastern Madison Counties, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice team for their compassionate care during George’s final days.

In accordance with his wishes, George prearranged his funeral services with Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Ilion, NY.

Friends and family are invited to share memories or contribute to George’s online memorial at www.whiter-hendrix.com