George A. H. Heitz

George A.H. Heitz, born November 10, 1933, to Elsie (Hall) Heitz and Alka Heitz, passed away on April 29th at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara Heitz, and sisters Elsie H. Heitz, E. Lucille Carley, Barbara (Bill) Sutton, and Dorothy (Larry) Yeaple.

He is survived by his twin daughters, Joyce Heitz and Nancy (Andrew) Sairrino, and his grandson, Zach Pond. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their children.

George taught 4th and 5th grade for many years, spending most of his career at Walden Elementary School. He was a graduate of Walden High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from Central College in Iowa, and his master’s from SUNY New Paltz. After retirement he pursued his lifelong interest in craftsmanship, completing an NRA Gunsmithing program at Trinidad State College in Colorado.

A U.S. Army veteran, George served at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He was an award-winning marksman, competing in the Empire Games in New York and the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He was a longtime member of the Middletown and Ulster County Pistol and Rifle Association.

George enjoyed organic gardening long before it became popular, tending to berry bushes, Christmas trees, and large gardens in his summers. He also rebuilt his family’s home with the help of friends and family.

He was a faithful member and trustee of the Walden Methodist Church and later the First Reformed Church of Walden.

Visitation will take place Monday, May 5, 2025, 5pm-8pm at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11am at The First Reformed Church of Walden, 70 Scofield Street, Walden, NY 12586.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Reformed Church of Walden or the Historical Society of Walden and the Wallkill Valley.

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