Obituary of George R

George R. Humphrey, 84, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully Saturday August 22, 2009 at home surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret "Peg" Glackin Humphrey. George was a native of new Britain and for the past three years he resided in Burlington. He was born on March 10, 1925 to the late Francis and Kathryn (Dunn) Humphrey. After graduating from New Britain High School, he was drafted into the Army serving in the Burma-China theater during WWII, then enrolled in Boston College; where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Maurice Church in New Britain, serving for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. George was retired from the Knights of Columbus International Office in New Haven, where he held various positions including Vice President of Operations and Assistant Supreme Secretary. In his retirement George enjoyed spending his winters in Jensen Beach, FL and his summers at his cottage in Niantic. Antiquing, refinishing furniture, jazz music, swimming, hosting his family's Christmas Eve party and playing bridge with his dear friends Jeanne Walker and Barb and Jimmer Walsh, are just a few of the many things he took great pleasure in. George, or "Popa" as his grandchildren called him, will be remembered most for his kindness, compassion, generosity, wisdom and awesome pancake flipping skills. He is survived by his three children, John "Jack" Humphrey and his wife Mary, of Madison; Marybeth Collela and her husband George, of Burlington; Martha Gregor and her husband, Richard, of Rockaway, NJ; his seven grandchildren Megan and Cara Hannus of Burlington, Nora Humphrey of Hollywood, FL, Patrick and Jack Humphrey of Madison, Katie and Rory Gregor of Rockaway, NJ. 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his brothers John, "Jack" Humphrey of Bristol and William, "Bill" Humphrey of Kensington. "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me" With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best" An Irish Prayer. His family would like to close this obituary with a word he often used as a farewell "Peace" Funeral services will be held Thursday 9:00 from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. Maurice Church 100 Whightman Rd. New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Britain. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M at the funeral home.