EAST BERNE — George Harris Waldenmaier became an honorary swim coach for his grandson and a patron of the arts for his granddaughter. He loved to garden and to help community organizations like the library, Thacher Park, and the Hilltown Players.

After battling lung cancer, he died at home under Hospice Care on Thursday, July 27, 2023. He was 81.

Born on Aug. 19, 1941, he was the firstborn son of Charles and Virginia Waldenmaier. A graduate of Bethlehem Central High School, he went on to graduate from Hudson Valley community College where he learned to be a draftsman. He also served as an Army reservist.

“He loved working at Friendly’s Ice Cream amongst family and friends,” his family wrote in a tribute. It was at Friendly’s that he met his wife. He went on to become a computer programmer with the State of New York, and retired from the Department of Criminal Justice Services where he formed many friendships over the years.

He was a congregant of the Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church, and in attendance at Quaker Street Bible Church for over 20 years and did volunteer work at Camp Pinnacle.

“George was an avid gardener and took great joy in caring for his sizable vegetable garden along with his wife’s many flower gardens,” the tribute said. “He was happy to share his vegetables with his family, friends, and neighbors. He took great joy sharing and transplanting plants for others to enjoy and talking about their care and maintenance.

“Among the organizations he participated in as a volunteer were the Friends of the Library where he was known to make hot dogs for Music in the Park and he helped with their annual book sales. He was also a lifetime member of both the Hilltown Players, and Friends of Thacher Park, both encompassing his love for reading and the great outdoors.

“He was also a contributor and participant with the Heldeberg Workshop programs. He was an honorary swim coach and participated with many swim team meets while his grandson Alex swam with the Guilderland Cyclones.

“He was a patron of the arts where his granddaughter Cassandra was concerned, helping her in her endeavors whether it be a photo shoot or a gallery opening to showcase her paintings. He was a philanthropist to many causes near and dear to his heart.

“He loved his pets and always had cats and dogs around him over the years and, although he might have been agitated when they arrived, they would always gravitate towards him and his kind nature.”

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George Harris Waldenmaier is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Becky; by his sons, Karl and Mark (Michelle); and by his cherished grandchildren, Alexander and Cassandra.

He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Michelle) and sister, Trudie; by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, and by one great-great-nephew.

His younger brother, Charles “Chuckie” Waldenmaier, died before him.

“He was a patient with the New York Oncology and Hematology Program, and was hospitalized at Albany Med, the Schenectady Center for rehabilitation, and in the end the Hospice Program,” his family wrote. “We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers whose help allowed us to bring him home and share his final days among his family, friends, and pets.”

A memorial service will be held on Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. at the Quaker Street Bible Church, 10328 Duanesburg Rd., in Delanson.