George R. Gracey, Jr.

George R. Gracey, Jr. , 92 of New Cumberland passed away on Friday, October 16, 2015 at his home surrounded by family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Derr Gracey; two children, son George R. Gracey III and his wife Casey Fesus of Dillsburg; daughter Sue G. Smith and husband Paul of Fairview Township, New Cumberland; two step-children Yvonne Hoke and husband Chris of Lewisberry and Alan Bricker and wife, Stephanie of Camp Hill; along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was the widower of the late Sally Lou (Stahle) Gracey.
George was born on February 17, 1923 in New Cumberland and was a 1940 graduate of New Cumberland High School. He joined the Army Air Corps Flight Training where he served for three years. He then attended Dickinson College where he graduated in 1947.
George began his employment in 1948 with the California Test Bureau (CTB), a major standardized school test publisher and was instrumental in opening the company’s eastern warehouse and shipping branch that employed over 40 people. CTB was bought out by McGraw-Hill Book Publishing Company and George’s position was relocated to Heightstown, NJ. However, George decided to remain close to his roots in New Cumberland and began employment as Manager, Office Building Administration for AMP, Inc., Harrisburg, PA from which he retired in 1985.
George was an active community servant serving as Neighborhood Commission of the Boy Scouts, Commissioner of the Central PA Midget Football League, as well as School Director for the then newly formed West Shore School District. He was Chairman of the Athletic Committee whose duty was in choosing the initial coaches for the newly formed Cedar Cliff High School. He served as School Director representative for the PIAA District 3 Committee and, as such, co-managed the first high school basketball playoff game ever held in the State Farm Show Arena. For his outstanding service to high school sports, the PIAA issued him a golden lifetime pass to District 3 events. George also served as President of the Chartier Club and was active in the Rotary Club. He was appointed to the New Cumberland Borough Authority where he served as Secretary for over 10 years. Upon his retirement from AMP, he became active in the Kiwanis Club of New Cumberland, the Men’s Garden Club of the West Shore, both of which he served as President; the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center where he served two terms as Director.
He was Director and President of the non-profit Mt. Olivet Cemetery Association. He was also active in the Keystonians, and The New Cumberland Olde Towne Association of which he was an honoree in 2002.
George had many hobbies which included wine-making, poetry, and painting. However, his true passion was that of growing bonsai and, as such, served as Co-Founder and first President of the Susquehanna Bonsai Club. He was honored by being elected a Director of the American Bonsai Society and was appointed General Chairman of the 1992 Annual Symposium. He has had a bonsai on display at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. In October 2005, he was featured in Susquehanna magazine.
George’s other interests include music which included a love of Big Bands and classic compositions.
Visitation will be held at the family home on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Celtic Hospice, 900 Century Drive #201, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or Susquehanna Bonsai Club, c/o Nature’s Way Nursery, 1451 Pleasant Hill Road, Linglestown, PA 17112: https://susquehannabonsaiclub.wordpress.com/