Wading
River, N.Y. — George W. Rundlett, formerly of
Rockland, passed away April 24, 2014, after complications from surgery and a
long illness.
At the time of his death he was a
resident of Wading River, N.Y. where he was employed as a nuclear safety
instructor for Brookhaven National Laboratories. He was born in Portland Aug.
15, 1940, and attended public schools in Standish, Rockland, and Portland.
While in Rockland in the early '50s he attended both Rockland middle school and
high school. His grandmother on his maternal side, Emily Stevens, was employed
by the Burpee Funeral Home. His other Rockland connection was the fact that his
mother was at one time married to Stanley Boynton whose picture is on the wall
of fame in Rockland City Hall, recognized for his cross-country flying records
in the 1940s.
Following high school George
Rundlett enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a
medical technician before returning to the United States and settling in Orono,
where he graduated from the University of Maine, receiving a degree in
education. After graduation from college he served as a science teacher for the
Bangor school system. During his teaching career in Maine he also went to
officer's candidate school and achieved the rank of Captain, and was a
commander at a National Guard engineering unit in Newport.
He also became a proficient
helicopter pilot, earning his wings, and received commendation for many so
called "missions of mercy" performing medical evacuations for injured
people throughout Maine. He was an avid sports car enthusiast and won numerous
awards driving in rally competitions throughout New England. in 1964 he was
chairman of the Penobscot Citizens Safety Council and during that year took a
team of drivers, including his brother Derry, to Montreal, Canada for an
international sports car driving competition, which was recognized on local
television and by then Gov. John Read.
Fondly known as "Buzz" to
his friends, family, and fellow pilots and National Guardsmen he was known for
both his musical and artistic talents. In Wading River, N.Y. he painted a mural
for his local congregational church and served as a deacon, lay minister, and
pianist for his church with his wife Linda. His hobbies were many, among them
painting, music, travel, and maintaining family connections. He was an
ambassador of his extended family and was responsible for connecting the many
generations of his family heritage all over the United States. His wit and
story telling abilities were recognized by all he encountered. He was an
excellent public speaker and teacher.
He was predeceased by his father
Ellsworth T.Rundlett II in 1958, his mother Esther Nickerson Stevens Rundlett
in 1981, his sister Barbara Boynton Gerrish in 2010, and his twin brother
Lawrence Stevens Rundlett in October 2013. He is survived by his beloved wife
Linda Rundlett; his three children Elizabeth Elowitch of Portland and Boca
Raton, Fla., Katherine Rundlett of Brewer, and Christine O'Rourke also of
Brewer; two brothers Ellsworth T. Rundlett III of Cape Elizabeth and John
Boynton of Houston, Texas; and seven grandchildren.
Services will be held at the Jones
Rich funeral home of Woodsfords Street, Portland Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m.,
which will be followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland and a
gathering of family and friends at the funeral home immediately thereafter.
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