Obituary of George G. Carman

GUILDERLAND – George G. Carman, 91, of Guilderland, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Born on April 1, 1932, son of the late Theodore Mase and Adele (Gardner) Carman in Roxbury, NY. George grew up in Prattsville (a small town in the Catskills.) The only child of his parents, he grew up close to his cousins Adele, Patrick, and Timothy. George graduated from Gilboa Central School in 1949. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oneonta State Teachers College in 1953 and later continued to earn his master’s degree from St. Lawrence University in School Administration. He also completed post-graduate studies at Syracuse University, becoming an avid Orange fan of Syracuse basketball. George was drafted into the US Army and completed his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey before his deployment to Germany during the early years of the Cold War. He served as a clerk typist to the company commander and was promoted SPC 5 before his discharge. Upon return from the Service, George was a teacher at Gilboa Central School under his mentor Vivian Peckham. In the early 1960’s he moved to the Capital District and taught 5th grade at Mohanasen Central. On July 7, 1962, he married his beloved wife, Patricia. In 1966 he was appointed Principal at Pinewood Elementary School where he worked for many years. During a renovation at Pinewood, he was a school administrator at Bradt Elementary until he returned to Pinewood. Over his career, George’s faculty and staff became close friends, spending much of their careers together. George was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout pack and troop leader, introducing many youths to the outdoors in the Adirondacks over the years. During his younger years he was a member of the National Ski patrol at Plattekill Mountain where he taught his kids to love skiing. He was also a member of the Glenville Rod and Gun Club. George was loved by his family. Their home was always a gathering place throughout the years, bringing family and neighbors together. Through his early years he enjoyed hunting with his two sons and extended family. Boating, waterskiing, and fishing were active hobbies throughout the years. George recreationally enjoyed the challenge of golf and his bowling league. He loved his family’s yearly trips to costal Maine, sharing his love of the ocean and lobster with his grandchildren. Last year, he and his wife Pat celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Most of all, over the last 37 years, he cherished time with his friends and family at his rustic log cabin, Camp Carmelot, on the Schroon River. George is predeceased by his son David A. Carman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia Z. Carman; children, Jane C. VanZandt (William), Thomas G. Carman (Tory); grandchildren, Avery Nackman and fiancé Erika Neilssen, MacKenzie Carman and long term partner Erich Aunchman, Ian Nackman, Cole Carman; Howard and Kristine Zimmer and Sandra Fuller, Jason, Rebecca, Rachel, Laura, Justin and their families. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Eddy visiting nurses and The Community Hospice for their care and compassion. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices Inc. A private celebration to honor George’s life will take place this summer. Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the Carman Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com