Saratoga Springs - George B. Van Wagner 85, returned to the loving arms of his wife on November 11, 2022.
He was born on December 20, 1936, in Saratoga Springs, NY to the late Lyle and Florence (Stanford) Van Wagner.
Retired Sergeant from Saratoga Springs Police department, George spent his life protecting and serving the community, he was honored to be a police officer and always backed the blue. He was the oldest surviving member of the Saratoga PBA. After retiring George returned to work as a security guard for Skidmore College where he will forever be known as “the hook”. He was a Free Mason for over 60 years with the Rising Sun Lodge 103 where he joined as a master mason in 1958. George also loved to volunteer his time at the Michael Manor Neighborhood Watch program, he took it upon himself to watch over all his neighbors all the time.
When George wasn’t working, he enjoyed visiting his hunting camp in Indian Lake and spending time with his family. George was the definition of a family man, one of his favorite things to do was planning family parties, he loved having all his kids together and watching them play games and eat. He loved going to the Route 50 Diner for lunch where his picture hangs proudly on the wall.
Left to cherish his memories is his daughter, Beth White-Hernandez and her husband Sonny; bonus daughter, Kim Mielke; grandchildren, Chad (Sarah) White, Tiffany (Sam) Sloan , Jayson (Jane) Richardson, Katie (Tom) Irish and Jessica Johnson; great grandchildren, Dustin , Bethany , Justice, Lillian, Jenna , Jeffery , Jon , Samantha, Ethan, and Remington; great-great granddaughter and little buddy, Ivana Lee Bushong; niece, Michelle Simpson; nephew, Scott Wardell; as well as many friends.
George is Proceeded his wife, Donna (Bunnell) Van Wagner, the love of his life; parents Lyle and Florence (Stanford) Van Wagner; and brothers, Lyle Van Wagner and William Van Wagner.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Saratoga Springs Police Department for the love and support that they have extended to the family at this time, being able to watch the force drive by his house in his last hour was such an honor.
George was an honorable man and will be cherished and missed forever.
Family and friends may call from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Route 9 and/or Marion Ave), Saratoga Springs, NY.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care. A graveside service will be held at Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Greenridge Place, Saratoga Springs, NY following the service. There will be a celebration of life at the Saratoga PBA range following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of George to The Saratoga PBA, PO Box 146, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
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