George John Sykas passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the age of 98, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 7, 1924 in Barre, VT and lived most of his younger years in Brattleboro, VT. As a teen, he helped his father in the family restaurant, before joining the Army in 1943. He served his country with honor during World War II, both as a gunner and an airplane radio specialist in the Army division later known as the Air Force. After his discharge, he attended Syracuse University under the GI bill, graduating with an engineering degree. He went on to work in the manufacturing sector as a tool engineer for companies such as Westinghouse, Savage Arms and Tri-State Industrial Tool and Engineering. Eventually, he started his own business, GS Tool and Engineering, from which he retired. Just prior to his college graduation, George met the love of his life, Mary. They married in 1952 and recently celebrated their 70 th wedding anniversary. They had three children, who George introduced to some of his favorite things during their childhood years – skiing, hunting, camping, boating, fishing and golf. He was an avid sports fan and always had some sort of game or match playing on the TV or radio. George especially loved his fishing boat that he kept in Sesuit Harbor at the Cape for many years. You could always find him where the fish were biting. He also enjoyed the years spent golfing while living in Florida for a time after retirement. George never slowed down and was always learning something new. He taught himself the computer and texting well into his 80’s and, in his 90’s, internet searches were one of his favorite things to do. George was predeceased by his brother, Anthony Sykas, and his sister, Katherine McGrath. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his daughter Karen Davis and her husband Joe of Feeding Hills, MA, his son Mitchell Sykas and his wife Joanne of Ludlow, MA, and his daughter Christine Ferris and her husband Patrick, also of Ludlow, MA. He is survived by five grandchildren whom he adored – Michael, Caitlyn, Lisa, Jordan and Jacob. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who he always enjoyed spending time with. The family would like to give special thanks to George’s care team from the VA – his NP, Susan, and his nurse coordinator, Gretchen. They provided exceptional care and caring as he transitioned onto home based care several years ago. The family would also like to recognize the aides and staff nurses at Heritage Hall West, who treated George as a member of the family after he moved there last spring. George will be interred in Island Pond Cemetery in Ludlow, MA. Calling hours will be on January 13 from 9:00 to 10:30 at Ludlow Funeral Home, with burial following a brief service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any local youth sports association or charity of your choice.
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Previous Events
Visitation
13
Jan
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
13
Jan
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056