George M. Hamilton, Jr.

George M. Hamilton, Jr., 81, died with his family by his side on December 28, 2013 at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield, MA. He was a long time resident of Lenox and a faithful communicant of Saint Ann Church. George was born to Katherine A. (Walsh) and George M. Hamilton, Sr. on September 10, 1932 in Framingham, MA. After graduating from Medfield High School in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving three years during the Korean Conflict. Honorably discharged, George then earned a Baccalaureate Degree from Boston University and a Master's Degree in Education from North Adams State College. He and Cecilia E. (O'Sullivan), his loving wife of 57 years and constant companion, began their life together in Lenox at Pleasant Valley Audubon Sanctuary where George worked as a Nature Teacher and Day Camp Director. He continued his teaching career in the Cheshire Public Schools and Crosby Junior High and ultimately became a professor at Berkshire Community College in 1967 where he founded the Environmental and Life Sciences Program. Through his exceptional dedication to his students he earned their lifelong respect and admiration. He was awarded numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, for the promotion and advancement of environmental and conservation sciences. After more than 25 years of service to BCC he retired Professor Emeritus in 1995. George volunteered his time to many national, regional, state and local organizations dedicated to improving both efforts in conservation and the quality of environmental education. George is credited with starting the "Conservation Club" at BCC and established a recycling program before it was politically correct. He was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and living off the land. Among his numerous awards, he was most proud of being named Sportsman of the Year by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen and the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council. George was recognized as Person of the Year by the Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Organization in 1985 for his leadership in promoting conservation education and his efforts to enhance Camp Tracy as an outdoor living classroom. George is survived by his beloved wife, Cecilia. One of their great joys was summering in Dennysville, ME, where they treasured the time spent reconnecting with family and friends. He is also survived by their four children, Elizabeth and her husband Robert Butterfield of Brownington, VT; George Hamilton, III and his wife Wendy, of Pittsfield, MA; Catherine Hamilton-Milne and her husband Mark Milne of Marstons Mills, MA; James Hamilton and his wife Jennifer of Lakewood, CO. George was blessed with nine grandchildren; Patrick and his wife Erica, Justin and his wife Erin and Ethan Butterfield; Megan, Mitchell and Paige Hamilton; Mackenzie and Olivia Milne and Connor Hamilton; and four great-grandchildren, Schuyler, Hadley, Lily and Sage. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Phyllis Francis of Medfield, MA. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral of Mr. George M. Hamilton, Jr. of Lenox will be Friday morning, January 3, 2014, at 11 am from the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12 noon at St. Ann's Church celebrated by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Thursday evening from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to "N.A.M.I" (National Alliance on Mental Illness), or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, both in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.

George M. Hamilton, Jr.

December 28, 1932 - December 28, 2013