George Joseph Held, of Warwick, NY passed away on March 25, 2025, after living a full life for 83 years. He is remembered as a devoted son, dedicated father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, as well as a dedicated church member, patriot, handyman, and artist.
George was born on March 19, 1942, to George R. and Agnes (nee Powers) Held in Brooklyn, NY. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn playing basketball or stick ball with his brother Ed. He learned the saxophone and participated in band at LaSalle Academy. As a teen, he even sold ice cream on the beaches at Coney Island. As a family of six, including George’s siblings: Marie, Ed and Rich, the Helds moved to Warwick, NY, so he spent his senior year at Warwick Valley High School, graduating in 1960.
George joined the Air Force and actively served from 1961 to 1965. He served in the Strategic Air Command where he was responsible for fixing radio communications in aircraft during the Vietnam War. Though he was stationed abroad during the war, he was fortunate that he was not sent to Vietnam. His Air Force experience led him to work as a Production Manager at Dow Jones and then in computer hardware with STC Systems/Global Enterprises. His work for some time involved repairing IBM mainframe computers such as Data General machines.
George married Joyce (Kappen) Monti and they raised three children: Christine, Kenneth and Julie, starting out in Pennsylvania and Florida, but settling back to Warwick in 1978. George was very dedicated to his family. He was a proud grandfather to three beautiful granddaughters. To some of his nieces and nephews, he was known as “UG” or “Uncle Sweatband”.
George was resourceful, organized, and handy. After working in industry, he took on maintenance positions for Tuxedo Park School and for St. Stephen’s Cemetery, School and Church until his retirement. He used these skills also while serving for many years on the homeowner’s association board in Homestead Village, including as President.
George was very attentive to detail and also very creative. He had a keen interest in music, history, and art. Upon his retirement, he taught himself the art of painting! He became an excellent watercolor artist. He spent many days listening to music of the likes of Johnny Cash or his son’s band, Fetish Lane, while creating beautiful barn and landscape paintings. It is likely that a stray splash of paint was often met by a resounding, “Gads!”
George was a devoted Catholic at St. Stephen’s Church. There he served as an usher and participated in Men’s Group. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He experienced immense personal growth and, in turn, helped many others through his work with the Beginning Experience program for the separated, divorced and widowed. His nickname “Gentle George” there exemplified his depth of character and caring, genuine demeanor.
George is survived by his daughters Christine Adams (Len) and Julie Croteau (Marc); his sister Marie Ruebenstahl; his brothers Edward (Barbara) and Richard Held; his granddaughters: Olivia Held, Fiona Held, and Norah Croteau; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. George joins his beloved son Kenneth Held; his friend and brother-in-law Gerald Ruebenstahl; and sister-in-law Jane Held in eternal rest.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave, Warwick, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at St. Stephen RC Church, 75 Sanfordville Road, Warwick, followed by interment in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, at the corner of Galloway Road and Forester Avenue, Warwick. To view the Mass via livestream at the scheduled time, use this link: https://ststephenchurchwarwick.org/livestreams