George J. Thayer, 79, of 48 Fair Acres Lane, Mystic, died peacefully Saturday at his home.
He was born in New London on January 13, 1924, the son of George O. and Helen (Tracy) Thayer and was educated in the Groton Schools. He was a member of the US Navy and served in WW II on the USS Philadelphia, also known as the “Galloping Ghost of Sicily”. He attended Henry Ford Trade School in Dearborn MI in 1941.
George worked for many years as a machinist at Davis Standard, Dresser-Rand in NY, and at Terryville, Niantic. In his retirement, George worked as a handyman at Fair Acres Mobile Home Park and manager of the adjoining Laundromat. He had served as Captain of the Quiambaug Fire Department and was a member of the American Legion.
He was married to Margaret (Mathewson) Potter on August 12, 1962. She died on October 12, 2002.
George is survived by his sister, Barbara Navarro of Groton, 2 brothers, Carl Thayer of Griswold and Fred Thompson of New Haven. He is also survived by 3 stepsons, Albert Potter and his wife Dorothy of Ledyard, Gilbert Potter of Mystic and Charles Potter and his wife Jean of Westerly, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a grandson and daughter-in-law.
A Committal Service with military honors will be held on Friday at 11am at Elm Grove Cemetery, Rte. 27, Mystic. The Rev. Lisabeth M. Gustafson, Pastor of the Old Mystic Baptist Church, will officiate. There are no visiting hours. Donations in his memory may be made to the VNA of SECT, 403 N.Frontage Road, Waterford CT 06385.
The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic is assisting the family.