George John Kushner, Jr
April 27, 1931 ~ July 27, 2018
Resided in:
Arden, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly Trail
George J. Kushner, Jr.
Arden ~ George John Kushner, Jr., 87 of Arden, died Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals.
A native of Syracuse, NY, he was a son of the late George John Kushner, Sr. and Ruth Stone Kushner.
A 1953 graduate of Syracuse University, George was a fanatic “Orange Fan”. He served as the National Director of Jaycees and was the past chairman of the Town Council of Queensbury, NY. George was an entrepreneur in both New York and Asheville. In retirement, he was a tour guide with Accents/Young Transportation. He and his wife Madeline were avid lovers of rescuing Old English Sheepdogs and providing them with a loving home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Madeline Mealey Kushner; four daughters, Carolyn Haj-Hussein (Dan), Dr. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Kathy Esten (Don) and Karyn Thompson (Paul); two step-daughters, Patti Dayton (Ron) and Pamela Baker (Jeff); two sons, George “Charlie” Kushner and Scott Reagan (Jama); two step-sons, Bill Keehan and Kevin Keehan (Rosemarie); one brother, Dr. William Stone Kushner as well as eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A service celebrating George’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 2, 2018 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Mr. Ken Richards officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a contribution in George’s memory to either Tarheel Old English Sheepdog Rescue (www.tarheeloesrescue.org) or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (www.bwar.org).
Happy trails, George, as you are now upon your greatest tour ever. And to you, dear Madeline, our love and compassion as we all cherish George’s memory and the meaningful walk you have had together through life.
Ken, Irene and Constance
Madeline,
Sorry to hear the news about George’s death. All of us at OFV will miss him. Ken & Jane, OFV A-116
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He will certainly be missed. Madeline, your have our sincere sympathy.
Always a Gentleman and a sharp dresser. Till we meet again George! Madeline and family I Love you dearly.
Dear Madeline and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of George. It was a joy and privilege to know George. I will always remember and appreciate all the history and information he shared with me about Asheville as we worked together at AOA. Praying all your sweet memories be a comfort at this time.
Love and prayers, Carmen James
I played basketball with George up until a couple of weeks ago and I can say for certain, he did not play like he was 87. Always was ready to give it his best when he was on the court. Sure will miss him. My prayers are with his family for the loss of a good nature Syracuse Orange Man.
Dear Madeline and Family, I was so sorry to hear about George. He was a special friend that was a member of our group that meets for breakfast at McDonald’s each morning. ‘The Table of Truth and Wisdom’ was so glad to have George join our group and share his love for his beloved Syracuse. His big smile and friendship was a blessing and he will be missed by all. I am sure I am speaking for our group in saying, we will be praying for you and your entire family in the days to come. Sincerely, Bill Waddell
Rest in peace Georges you will be missed.
Dear Madeline and Family,
Marion and I are sadden by George’s passing. We both have fond memories of him. We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your blended family.
With our love and support,
Evelyn and Marion Bridges
Madeline, So sorry to hear the news about George. His great sense of humor will be missed.
Sorry to hear of George’s passing, Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Sorry to hear of George’s passing… I’ve know George for many years at the Y — It’s good to read some about his life and family – my condolences to you all. George was a interesting conversationalist and an interested listener… On the BB court he was a always the competitor… a bear with a big heart. He was one of the legends of the ‘Legends’… He will be missed. God bless you all.
Madeline – I am saddened by your loss – I enjoyed our time together watching SU, playing basketball or golf. George was always engaged and fun to be with. His passing will be a big loss to this community and to his friends and family – I miss him and wish you and your family the best.
Will miss you Uncle George! I will always remember that camping trip you took us all on when we were kids. Tubing was the best!
I was saddened just yesterday to learn from Madeline that George has passed. I only knew George for a few years through email/telephone conversations…I was one of his ‘condo family members’, but he seemed like such a very nice and caring man. My deepest sympathies are with you Madeline and all of your family for your loss. I am sure he will be missed by all of you and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carolyn Brown