George Bainton Hallock, 91, of Bloomfield, New Jersey and Roswell, Georgia passed away on Nov. 10, 2023 peacefully in his home in Roswell surrounded by the family he built and loved for more than 60 years.
A beloved husband to the late Nancy Littlewood Hallock, George is survived by his son Chip Hallock and his wife Rene, daughter Cindy Raimondi and her husband Lou, grandchildren Meghan (Patrick), Ashley (Kalen), Ben, Erin (Rigo), Carrie (Justin), Brian (Samantha) and Chris (Lindsey) and nine great grandchildren Ava, Clayton, Rocco, Paisley, Ella, Jackson, Madelyn, Juliette and Oscar.
George was predeceased by his father and mother, George Denny Hallock and Mary Bainton Hallock, and stepmother Anne Kehoe Hallock.
Born in Newark, George grew up in Bloomfield, graduating from Montclair Academy and Kenyon College (Ohio). A proud veteran, George temporarily left college after one semester and served in the United States Coast Guard from 1951-1954, primarily stationed on the USCGC Spencer where he operated as a sonarman. Following his time in the service, George returned to Kenyon and graduated with an English degree, "paid for by Uncle Sam," he would happily clarify. Stories from his time aboard the Spencer were a regular topic of conversation as he remembered his years in the Coast Guard fondly and rarely left the house without donning his USCGC Spencer WPG-36 cap.
George earned an MBA from Rutgers University in 1962 and began his professional career as a credit reporter for Dun & Bradstreet where he later authored a book and conducted credit and collections seminars around the country under the company's name. He worked for more than 20 years at Hoffmann La-Roche in Nutley and ABB Brown Boveri as a credit manager.
An avid outdoorsman, George was a Sea Scout and later became a dedicated Boy Scout leader, earning the distinguished Silver Beaver award. His Scouting career was highlighted by serving as President of the Tamarack Council and spending summers at Camp Tamarack where he forged lifelong friendships with Bob, Dick and Walter.
His passion for Scouting laid the foundation for his second career as the family handyman and also established his deeply held belief in frugality. George was known to squeeze every last ounce of toothpaste from the tube, and ensured everyone in the family could rehearse his famous line "take what you want, but eat what you take," prior to dinner time.
The serendipity of a blind date brought George and Nancy together and led to a long and loving marriage of 65 years. Their bond served as a model of love for all who knew them. From traveling the world upon retirement, to helping one another complete crossword puzzles, George and Nancy were inseparable and left us marveling at their constant and contagious companionship. They cherished summers at their shore house in Bradley Beach, hosting family, celebrating birthdays and greeting all who strolled by their front porch.
George was a devout Christian, singing as a young boy in the choir at Christ Episcopal Church and later serving as a lay reader and treasurer at Watchung Presbyterian Church, both in Bloomfield. He valued serving the community and was an active member of American Legion, the Shriners and Masonic Lodges in New Jersey and Georgia.
George appreciated the little things in life and never stressed over material wealth; he found joy in walking the boardwalk to pick up the Star Ledger, sneaking Tootsie Rolls to his grandchildren and watching endless hours of old Westerns, particularly John Wayne films. More than anything, George loved camping. His ideal setting was somewhere deep in the woods around a campfire with friends and family.
George can best be described as a giver. He was generous with his time and his money, donating to countless organizations he believed made a positive impact on the world and improved the lives of others. Loyalty came natural to him, as he stayed true to friendships of more than 80 years, one of which being his best friend from kindergarten Mary who he spoke with regularly until his final days.
Above all, George cherished his family. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and believed each title carried a unique responsibility of which he held dearly. We will miss the wisdom, comfort, joy, guidance and love he provided for us all throughout his life.
Please remember George in your prayers. The Hallock and Raimondi families suggest that anyone who wishes to honor George in a tangible way, do so by making a donation in his memory to an organization of your choice that reflects George's thoughtful and generous spirit.
A service to celebrate George's life will be held at Birmingham United Methodist Church in Milton, Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend and share their memories of his extraordinary life. There will also be a celebration of life at Watchung Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Updates will be provided once arrangements are finalized.