Obituary of George C. Hedden

Webster:  On Saturday, September 30, 2017, age 89.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle. Left to cherish George’s memory and rely on his legacy of humor, are his loving wife of 65 years Eleanor Phinney Hedden; sons, Steven (Vicki), Mark (Gwynne) and their daughters, Alexandra, DPT and Abby, of MI, Scott (Anna) of CA: daughter, Linda (Greg Tripp); sister, Dona Moran; nieces, Debra Moran and her son Ryan, of WI, Jen (Paul) MI, nephew, Christopher (Marlene); sister-in-law, Elaine Russell; nephews, Jeffrey and Christopher; extended family, friends, former colleagues and neighbors.

George was born September 17, 1928 in Buffalo, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Buffalo (UB). Drafted into the US Army in 1952, George served both active duty in the Korean War and in the Army Reserves, until honorable discharge as a first lieutenant in 1961. Following active duty, George began his career in college admissions at UB. In 1958 he became the Director of Admissions at Rochester Institute of Technology, and remained in admissions for 36 years.  George served with pride and honor as RIT grew and evolved into a nationally renowned institution.  Known for his delightful sense of humor, and sense of mischief, he was often the life of staff gatherings. George appreciated interacting with his colleagues, and was acknowledged as a mentor and friend. It seems they would agree with the prophecy written about George in high school, where it was noted that “If wit were a religion, George would be the Pope”.

George and Eleanor were married in 1952, and have been residents of Webster since 1961, where they happily raised their family. Retirement years included travel in the US and Canada, though favorite visits were with Mark in MI and Scott in CA. Best of all was seeing their beloved granddaughters grow into the accomplished young women they have become. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of St. Ann’s Care Center at Cherry Ridge for their kind and loving care for George, and support to the family, during his time there. 

Family and friends may call 4-7pm, Friday, October 6, at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Avenue, Webster. George’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 7, at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge Chapel, 900 Cherry Ridge Boulevard, Webster, with Graveside military honors to follow at Webster Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Ann’s Foundation, 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY  14621, or to the charity of one’s choice.