George W Burgess

George Wadsworth Burgess Jr. lived with his daughter, Perry and family in New Rochelle, NY. Formerly of Tewksbury and Newton, Massachusetts, George passed peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 21 at the age of 81. George Jr. was the only child of George Sr. and Helen Burgess of Greenwich, CT where he spent his childhood. The family moved to Washington, DC, where George found his way singing in the choir at The National Cathedral. George went on to attend Pomfret High School and beyond to earn a BA from Union College. Throughout his adult life, he found an interest in racing cars, WW II history, travelling and photography. A world traveler, George visited over 100 countries. His experiences travelling, helped shape his love of conversation and storytelling. Those who encountered him, got to know his generosity and learned of his frugality. A self-proclaimed poet, he often wrote poems for special occasions such as his two daughter's weddings. George also loved Jazz, having travelled extensively through Europe in the 60's; he saw musicians such as Miles Davis and was a self-taught drummer. Always full of surprises, George lived aboard his 35' Baltic sailboat and travelled the East Coast from Maine to the Florida Keys. Later in life, he purchased a Ferrari in Italy, through the help of his in-law's family, where he managed to combine his passion for Italian cars, food, love of travel and spirit for adventure. His love of food and adventurous spirit travelled with him wherever he went, from picking fresh mussels off the shores of Maine in low tide to trading rum with the shrimp boat captains off the Dry Tortugas; he was always looking for good food and a scenic view. George is survived by his two daughters, Perry and Leighton and his four grandchildren, Katharine, Randall, William and Audrey. His family will celebrate his life by keeping up his love of adventurous travel, making random personal connections with people they meet and constantly searching for the next good meal.