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[ In Memor iam ]
[ In Memoriam ]

Merrit J. Burd, 1943 – 2023 maintain its history and ensure its future. George was an avid

Merritt J. Burd February 8, 2023 Merritt outdoorsman and wanted to provide opportunities to develop
the hobby in local youth. He founded the Fishing Derby, the
James Burd (Jim), 79, of Boylston, passed Duck Derby and was an integral part of the Strawberry Festival.
away peacefully February 8, 2023. Jim was He developed a piece of property into Fulton Park and built
born February 24, 1943 in Ithaca, NY to a pavilion, which was used for many free community events,
Kenneth and Grace (Jones) Burd. His last including concerts, children’s fishing, and raising money for
years of primary education were received at
Sandy Creek High School before enlisting in the United States various community not-for-profits. He was a member of the
Shandelee Hunting Club, Rotary Club, the Liberty Masonic
Army in 1960. After the completion of his Field Artillery Lodge, the Rifle Club, and an honorary member of the
Surveying training he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, Livingston Manor Fire Department. He had many interesting
serving with 5th BN, 83rd FA, 8th Infantry Division Field hobbies that included: traveling, collecting stamps, post cards,
Artillery for the remainder of his 3 years of Honorable service, surveying equipment, and a 900-piece barbed wire collection.
attaining the rank of SP4 (Promotable). Jim has been a Licensed His love of the history of Livingston Manor inspired him to
Land Surveyor in New York since 1976. As a well known and write a book about its history.
respected Surveyor, Jim has personally surveyed thousands of
properties and drafted, stamped & signed over 3000 original George is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Shirley
Survey Maps. His surveying career will leave an indelible mark (Tempel) Fulton; his son Bruce (Denise), his daughter Julie
on the fields, hills and waterways of this area for as long as there Diescher, and his grandchildren, Dallas, Dalton, Wyatt, and
are lands to be measured and mapped. Jim found simple joy in Austin and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
his peaceful farm, his 3 beloved Jack Russells and the rolling A funeral service will be held privately at the convenience of
green hills and forests surrounding his Boylston home. He is the family. George’s wish in lieu of services was to recall your
survived by his children, Catherine Boyle (Joseph) of Potsdam, favorite memory of him at your convenience. Contributions in
NY, Christine Burd of Syracuse, NY, Kenneth James Burd of memory of George may be offered to the Livingston Manor Fire
Orwell, NY, James Merritt Burd of Boylston, NY and Shannon Department, PO Box 867, Livingston Manor, 12758, or the
Barrella (Jim) of Denver, NC, siblings Kenneth C. Burd Volunteer Ambulance Corps of Livingston Manor, PO Box 1,
(Geraldine), Rosalie Mastropietro, William Burd, and MaryLou Livingston Manor, NY 12758.
Gorthy (David), 15 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Bryant Funeral
He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Hewson Burd and Home, 29 Pearl Street, Livingston Manor, NY. For additional
Grace Mary Gorthy. Calling Hours were held February 15th at information, contact the funeral home at 845-439-4333 or visit
Summerville Funeral Home in Sandy Creek, NY. The Funeral the website at www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Service was held February 16th at the funeral home. Burial will
be in the spring at Boylston Sandy Creek Cemetery. Alan M. Garfinkel, 1938 – 2023
George H. Fulton, 1941 – 2023 Alan M. Garfinkel of Nanuet, New York

George H. Fulton, of Shandelee, passed passed away at home on January 27th. He
was a proud Cornell University alumnus
away suddenly on January 26, 2023. He was (BCE ’61) and civil engineer. He built
81. George was born on September 2, 1941 a successful consulting firm serving
to Jessie and Edith (Dunne) Fulton. He was municipalities in New York and New Jersey
lovingly raised by Bertha Bernhardt for over 20 years including Hillburn, Montebello, Nyack, and
in Kenoza Lake, NY. A graduate of other towns, and was named Rockland County Professional
Jeffersonville Central School Class of 1959. Engineer of the Year in 2012. He loved tennis and pitching
George continued his education in SUNY Delhi, earning a tennis balls to his sons for batting practice; later he grudgingly
degree in Engineering. His love for surveying began working took up golf. He was a scout leader, Little League coach and a
for Sam Levine, where he met John Galligan who became his community leader. A long-time member of Beth Am Temple in
best friend. In 1966, George was given the opportunity to travel Pearl River, he led their Renaissance Club and was a frequent
to Australia through the Rotary Club International, where he participant in classes and discussion groups. He was a gourmet
spent three months learning about the culture. chef and gourmand eater. In his retirement, he spent summers
On May 26, 1967, he married Shirley Tempel, and for the in Vermont at Lake Dunmore where he bonded with his
next 55 years of their married life, they would build a home, a grandchildren, teaching them to sail and fish, and enjoyed
family, and a community legacy. George owned the Highland spending time with his wife of 62 years, Elinor Ross Garfinkel.
Sports Shop from 1967-1969. In 1973, George passed his New He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, leaving
York State Licensing Exam for Surveying and opened his first behind his wife, Ellie, sons Jim (Jill) and Andy (Kristine), and
office in his home. He later purchased the Manket Building five grandchildren, Jessica, Jared (Jacquelyn), and Emma, Abby
and moved the business to Livingston Manor. George believed and Josh. We invite you to make a donation to the American
in the town and went on to renovate ten more buildings to Lung Association (lung.org) in his honor, in lieu of flowers.
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 59 • NO 2/ 2023 • MARCH/APRIL 15