Obituary of George H. Lenhardt

DELMAR – George Lenhardt, 71, passed away on June 27 after a valiant fight with brain cancer. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Earl H. and Alice Bennett Lenhardt. George is survived by his loving wife of over 45 years, Lynne, his son Brian (Valerie) of Charlotte, NC, his daughter, Kimberly, of Warwick, RI, his brother Earl (Mary Jay) and his brother Dennis, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

George graduated from Bethlehem Central High School and received a computer science degree from Union College. He served with the U. S. Army in Vietnam. After 28 years, he retired from NYNEX and was later employed by the NY Power Authority.

George loved serving the Bethlehem community. He was an active Slingerlands firefighter for over 51 years, former president of the Bethlehem Historical Association, former president of the Bethlehem Alumni Association, and a member of the American Legion Blanchard Post. George was chairman of the Slingerlands Board of Fire Commissioners for several years and later served as Treasurer. He continued his public service on the Bethlehem Planning Board before serving for 13 years on the Bethlehem Town Board. George also chaired the Bethlehem District Board of Ambulance Commissioners. He was formerly a Soccer Club coach and a Delmar Dolfins Swim Club officer. George also served as a Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer and on the Board of Managers and the Supervisory Committee of Capital Communications FCU.

George enjoyed golf as a member of Normanside and Colonie Country Clubs. He also fulfilled his dream of learning to fly an airplane, ultimately flying solo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 2, at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Delmar. Calling hours are at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Slingerlands Fire Department, P.O. Box 99, Slingerlands, NY 12159, American Legion Blanchard Post 1040, 16 West Poplar Dr., Delmar, NY  12054 or the Bethlehem Historical Association, P.O. Box 263, Selkirk, NY 12158.