HORNELL, NY – George L. Shortsleeve, 97, former Colonie Police Chief, died Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Elderwood of Hornell. Born in Colonie on May 29, 1920, he was the son of the late Henry and Ethel Tribley Shortsleeve.
He was married on June 28, 1941 to the late Ada M. Pearse Shortsleeve who died February 1, 2014. They were married 72 years, most of that time residing on Mill Road in Latham and most recently of Coburg Village in Rexford.
George served his country during World War II with the US Army Air Corps from 1942-46. He was hired by the Colonie Police Department in 1946 as a police officer and became Police Chief in 1965 and retired in 1971.
He enjoyed Saratoga Harness Track, playing cards, golf and was a baseball fan. Most importantly, he was a friend and caregiver to many.
He and Ada were very involved grandparents, we are all blessed to have had both of them as an integral part of our lives.
George was a great story teller imparting events from his childhood in the 20’s and 30’s and the many changes and events as a Colonie Police Officer.
He is the beloved father of Gail L. (Robert) Ellis of Cohocton, NY and David S. Shortsleeve of Woodstock, NY; proud grandfather of Heather (Michael) Graniero of New York Mills, NY, Karri (Eric) Zwirlein of Lancaster, NY, Julie (Bo) Weatherbee of Belton, TX, and Laura (Shawn) Strobel of Tonawanda, NY; great grandfather of Benjamin (Amanda) Graniero, Zoe and Evan Zwirlein; brother of the late W. Spencer Shortsleeve who died October 21, 2001.
The funeral service will be Friday, October 20th at 11:30 am at the Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham with Pastor Arthur Downing officiating. Interment will follow in the Niskayuna Reformed Church Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service on Friday from 10:00-11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps, PO Box 1469, Clifton Park, NY 12065 or the Verdoy Volunteer Fire Dept., 988 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110.
Condolence book at bowenandparkerbros.com.