George "Sonny" F. Lawson's Obituary
George "Sonny" F. Lawson , age 81, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on Wednesday, February 26, 1930 son of the late George J. and Frances (Warren) Lawson.
A resident of Lewes for the past 14 years, he was formerly from Poughkeepsie, NY. He attended Arlington High School and graduated in 1948 with 89 people in his class and enlisted in the U S Army during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of NY in 1957 and then Columbia University to achieve his master's degree.
He worked hard all of his life, beginning as a grave digger to pay for college, a tour guide for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt home and the Vanderbilt Estate. He even has the honor of giving a tour of the Roosevelt home to John F. Kennedy before he became president.
His teaching career spanned 35 years, starting at Rhinebeck Central School, Traver Road Pleasant Valley School and West Road Pleasant Valley School. He was also the audio-visual director for both Traver Road and West Road Pleasant Valley Schools.
His was also involved in many educational and civic organizations including President of the Rhinebeck Teacher Association and Rochdale Civic Association, Committee chairman of the Dutchess County Inventory Committee, volunteer treasurer of the West Road P.T. A. and Violet Avenue P. T. A., secretary of the Rochdale Volunteer Fire Company, President of the Poughkeepsee Chapter of the New Paltz College Alumni, Coordinator for the Student Foreign Exchange Program with Rochdale, England, a tour conductor for Parker Tours of NY and a volunteer host for Adult Plus tours of DE. He taught sunday school and was a lecter, a Cub Scout Father, Edgewater Estates volunteer, Chapter member of St. Vincent dePaul and counted church collections.He was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church.
Sonny and his wife toured 49 states and enjoyed visiting U.S. Presidents homes. In addition to traveling, he enjoyed reading, swimming and bowling and had a large collection of Christmas decorations. He had a smile for everyone and always took the time to listen to students, family and friends. He was always willing to help anyone and loved all children and animals. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia (Bowe) Lawson, Lewes, DE and one son, Michael David Lawson and his wife Jennifer of Milford, DE
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. The family will greet friends at the church starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
Memorial contributions may be made to : Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homnes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mr. Lawson at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
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