Obituary of George A. Marsden

George was born in Oswego NY to Dr. George and Kathryn Marsden on June 30,1931. He attended public elementary school and St. Paul’s Catholic School before graduating from Oswego High School. George fondly remembered his time in the Boy Scouts, especially traveling to Philmont and earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His regaled stories of Oswego always seemed to include his paper route, his job at the movie theater, swimming in the canal, and nicknames. He spent time in the National Guard and joined the Army in 1952.

George married Catherine (Kay) Schneider in Oswego in June 1956.  They lived in Arlington, Virginia while George worked at what would later become the National Security Agency.  He and Kay moved to Rochester in 1958 to raise their family when George accepted a job at Kodak; he would retire from that job thirty one years later.  He collected a pension for more years than he worked; a true sign of success.  George and Kay enjoyed much of their retirement traveling the world and wintering in Florida, but he was most content spending summers at their family camp on Lake Ontario, surrounded by family and those he thought of as family.

George, or Monk, as Kay called him, believed one of the secrets to his longevity was a daily walk, and he could often be found strolling around his neighborhood greeting passers by.  He was adventurous and never afraid to try new things: he Rollerbladed and windsurfed in his 60’s, practiced Tai Chi in his 70’s, took up tap dancing in his 80’s and went soaring when he was 92. He worked out regularly at the gym until his last days.  He never turned down a trip to the casino, and always “broke even” playing three card poker.  If there was a second secret to George’s vibrant longevity, he believed it was his 5:30 glass of Scotch, preferably with cheese and crackers and a companion. He approached every day as a day to excel. 

George believed strongly in looking out for those who were less fortunate, and dedicated much of his time volunteering for a variety of organizations including Genesee Hospital, Isaiah House and local soup kitchens. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction books and his library card was one of the most frequently used items in his wallet.  He made a point to keep up with current events and read the newspaper daily. 

George, or Pop, as his kids called him, was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He was a constant presence: there weren’t many school plays, sporting events or dance recitals that he missed.  He appreciated the interests and accomplishments of everyone in his family, and was incredibly proud of them.  The only thing better than having George for a dad was watching him be a grandfather.

George wasn’t particularly handy, and his basement toolbox may have only held an old flathead Craftsman screwdriver, but he and Kay built something from the ground up that can never be torn down.  He was our steady, calm, moral compass. While we will miss his wit, his wisdom, his guidance, and his kindness, he has given us everything we need to continue on without him.

After 64 years of marriage, George was predeceased by Catherine in 2020.  He is survived by son, Michael (Linda) Marsden, daughters, Jane (Rex, deceased) Swinehart, Catherine (John) Metzger, Mary (Kevin) Weckesser; grandchildren Sarah (Seth) Stramonine, Jacob (Kayla) Metzger, Madeline (John) Nizamis, Catherine Patterson, Erin (Tristan) Rapp, Benjamin (Anna) Marsden, Sarah (Joey) Hendron, Natalie and Eileen Weckesser; great grandchildren Caden, Claire, and Cora Stramonine, Isabella, Sophia, Olivia, and Lilliana Nizamis, Dean and Joanna Metzger, Bryce and Chase Patterson, and soon-to-be expected Baby Hendron. He is also survived by his sister, Marion Hennessey, sister-in-law Nancy Marsden, and numerous friends he thought of as family.

Visiting hours for George will be held at the Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, on Monday, February 10th from 4-7 PM.  His Memorial Mass will be celebrated with family friend, Father Bill Donnelly on Tuesday, February 11th, 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph’s Church, 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield.

The livestream link for the mass is found at  https://www.holyspirit-saintjoseph.org

A reception will immediately follow at the church; all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Penfield Public Library Foundation, https://www.penfieldlibraryfoundation.org ,Oswego Library, www.oswegopubliclibrary.org, or St. Andrew’s Food Cupboard, https://www.standrewsfoodcupboard.com.