George G. Sidelinger, 84, of Dresden, passed away April 25 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, following a short illness.
He was born Nov. 23, 1922 in Wollaston, Mass., a son of Roy and Margaret (Chandler) Sidelinger.
At the age of 14, George knew that when he grew up, he wanted to get married, have children and own a small dairy farm.
He was a 1941 graduate of the Norfolk City Agricultural School in Walpole, Mass. He next went to Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts for two years, studying practical agriculture, graduating in 1943.
George married Charlotte on June 20, 1943 in Wollaston, and they were married for 62 years. She was the love of his life.
George served in the U.S. Army from May 1944 through November 1946. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in WW II.
In June 1950, George and Charlotte bought a small dairy farm in Dresden, later named it Velvet Acres, and raised three children, fulfilling his childhood dream. He also ran his own rubbish route and for more than 20 years was a night watchman for the state of Maine, retiring in 1986. From 1983 through 1996, he was building inspector and code enforcement officer for the town of Dresden.
George enjoyed spending time at home with Charlotte and had many hobbies, which included collecting miniature cars, photographing big rig trucks, model railroading, and John Deere tractors and Model-A Fords.
His wife, Charlotte, predeceased him on Oct. 17, 2005.
He is survived by three children, Ken Sidelinger and companion Vicky Mastantuono of Michigan, Jean Genthner and husband Ted of Dresden, and Peter Sidelinger and wife Mary of Pennsylvania; brother, John “Jack” Sidelinger of Arizona; grandchildren, Vincent Sidelinger and wife Rhonda of Lewiston, Craig Dorr and wife Sandy of Augusta, Joanna Black and husband Toby of Auburn, Jeromy Sidelinger and wife Jennifer of New Hampton, N.H., Jeffrey Sidelinger of Webster, N.Y., Shannon Fleming and husband Ryan of Portland, and Amanda and Daniel Sidelinger of Michigan; seven great-grandchildren; and a niece, two nephews and cousins. He will also be missed by his devoted cat, Missy.
At George’s request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.
