George Murray Buchanan of West Yarmouth, MA, passed away on August 13, 2024. He was born on August 23, 1934, to George Robert Buchanan and Elizabeth Verna (Murray) Buchanan.
He grew up in Nutley, NJ and graduated from high school in 1953. He served in the Navy from 1955 – 1959 and spent time on Guam. He married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Louise Valentino on April 26, 1958, and moved to Clifton, NJ where they raised their family. They just celebrated their 66th anniversary.
George was the co-owner of Intercity Warehouse, a trucking and warehouse business in East Rutherford, NJ. He was very active in the Traffic Club of North Jersey, holding various board positions including President. He and Dorothy retired to Leesburg, FL where he quickly made friends and immersed himself in the retirement lifestyle including golf, swimming and various clubhouse activities. He joined the local AMVETS organization and spent hours volunteering and organizing events. He loved to watch baseball and football on TV, he was a member of bowling leagues most of his life until back problems arose, he played golf, and got very excited when he won playing bingo and bunko. He had a passion for swimming and soaking in the hot tub. He spent summers at the Jersey shore and continued this tradition with his own children.
George was an outgoing person and would talk to anyone. He would give his shirt off his back to help. He was a man of his word and a handshake was all that was needed. He loved parties and having a good time. He treated his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren and especially Dorothy with the utmost love, respect, and kindness.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, son Steven Buchanan (Rhonda), daughter Cheryl Sojkowski (Richard), son Kenneth Buchanan, granddaughters Kristen Buchanan, Jessica Buchanan, Nicole Sojkowski and Julie Sojkowski, and sister-in-law Phyllis Ponzoni. He also leaves many nieces and nephews who miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth Buchanan, sister Jane Yaun (David), sister Laura Simpson (Vernon), in-laws Frank and Dorothy Valentino, brother-in-law Michael Valentino (Filomena), and brother-in-law George Ponzoni.
A small, private memorial service will be held on August 23, 2024, which would have been his 90th birthday. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.