George C. Whyte

George C. Whyte, 90, quietly departed this life on December 15, 2024 at his home. He was born to Robert and Helen “Nell” (White) Whyte on December 24, 1933. He graduated from Athens High School in 1952. He married Sandra Brinkley and they raised their family as lifelong residents in Athens Borough. George is survived by his wife Sandra and their children and grandchildren: Debra Chisdak and her daughter, Meagan, husband Jason and children Mason (grandpa’s right-hand man), Molly, Brodi and Raliegh, daughter Erin and husband Connor, daughter Lauren and her children Blayze and Lily. Brian and Donna Whyte and Brian’s daughters, Nadine and Casey, husband Andrew and their son, Jaxson. Vincent and Karen Whyte and their family, Kathryn (Herb), Shawn and Mary (Andy). Also surviving George are numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Mary Watkins Roy and Virginia Lake. George was employed as a machinist at Ingersoll Rand for 25 years. He was then employed by PennDot for 18 years, retiring in 1993. While raising and supporting his family he gave countless hours to his community in Athens Borough. He joined the Protection Hose Fire Company of Athens Borough Fire Department in 1966 and elected fire chief in 1972. He was in charge of emergency services, operation and recovery after Agnes flood in 1972 while his own home had been flooded. George served on a sub-committee of the Satterlee Creek Watershed, with Robert Sullivan, addressing the concerns of Athens Borough Flood Control issues on the Susquehanna riverbank while working with Congressman Donald Sherwood and the Baltimore office of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. George was a life member of the fire company and served on various committees. He was also a Pennsylvania State Fire Instructor for 10 years. George was President of the Athens Little League for 5 years. He also coached youth football. He served on the Robert Packer Board of Directors for 5 years. He was a member of the Sayre Elks BPOE 1148. He is most remembered for his service as Mayor of Athens and a life member of the Penn York Highlanders. George was elected mayor in 1993, being the only Catholic Democrat ever elected Mayor of Athens Borough. He served his community with dedication and commitment for 24 years. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Association of Mayors. While he was serving as mayor, he accepted an invitation from the Mayor of Athens, Greece for a gathering of every town and city named Athens in the world. He was joined on the trip by his daughter, Debra, and they represented our borough of Athens well. George joined the Penn York Highlanders in 1960, serving as pipe major until 2015. He led the band in the Scranton St. Patrick Parade for more than 50 years. He was named Honorary Grand Marshall of the parade in 2020, the year the parade was canceled because of covid. He was later named Parade Commander in 2021. George had a great love of the outdoors, passing that love to his children. He and his sons hunted together for 50 years. His love of the Pittsburgh Steelers was also shared by his children and grandchildren and he attended many games. George was also a Notre Dame fan in Penn State country. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Athens, and attended the closing ceremony and locking of the church for the last time. Throughout his life, George was active in many endeavors and he and Sandra supported each other during their marriage for 71 years. Abiding by George’s wishes there will no calling hours. There will be a funeral service held on January 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Epiphany, 304 S. Elmer Avenue, Sayre, Pennsylvania. There will be a private family burial at Hornbrook Cemetery at a later date. The family is being assisted by Alteri-Bowen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal shelter or charity of one’s choice in George’s memory would be a way to honor George and his life. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com The twinkle in his eye, his bit of a smile and the stories he told will be greatly missed. Gabh sìth – May you have peace.

George C. Whyte

December 24, 1933 - December 15, 2024

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George C. Whyte

December 24, 1933 - December 15, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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