a longtime resident of Warwick, passed away on
February 21, 2010, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Warwick. He was 81 years old.
Born on March 30, 1928 in Tuxedo, NY, he was the son of the late Paul and Susan Chanko) Birish.
He married Rita M. Lieneck on February 9, 1963 in St. Luke’s RC Church, Hohokus, NJ.
A 1945 graduate of George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo Park, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War as Sgt. 1st Class.
George was the owner of Meadowspring Farm in Warwick, where he raised his own standard bred rare horses for 25 years. Later, he operated the Hambletonian Golf Driving Range at the farm. He was retired in 1989 as Vice President of Midland Lumber Company, Warwick Branch, and served as Senior Director of Marketing and helped open their Northeastern Wholesale Operations, Midland Park, NJ branch. He was a former consultant of Rowley Building Products, Middletown branch, former co-owner of Williamsburg Colonial Wood Reproductions and Birland Millwork in Pompton Lakes, NJ in the late 1960’s with his partner, William R. Seland. He was a 1983 Democratic candidate for Warwick Town Council. He was a member of St. Stephens RC Church.
“The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mayank Shah, St. Anthony Community Hospital staff, and the Warwick Ambulance for all the care and compassion shown to George throughout his illness.”
He is survived by his wife, Rita Lieneck Birish, at home; a son, Chester G. Birish at home; a brother, Joseph P. Birish of Goshen; four sisters: Mary M. Doolittle of Warwick, Helen S. Guntsch of Warwick, Susan E. Retz of Matthews, MO, and Frances R. Zielinski of Mahwah, NJ; nine nephews; two nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers, John S. Birish, Michael J. Birish and Paul J. Birish.
Visitation will be from 2-4 & 7-9 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday at St. Stephens RC Church, followed by interment in Warwick Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial donations may be sent to American Heart Association, 419 E. Main St., Middletown, NY 10940 or St. Anthony’s Community Hospital, 15 Maple Ave., Warwick, NY 10990.