John Irvine RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) John Irvine passed away on July 19, 2023. May he rest in peace. Comfort sent to his friends and family.

John Ray Irvine, 69, passed away on July 19, 2023. John is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Onalee, and sister-in-law Leslee. He is survived by wife and true love, Rae; son Craig (Jessica) Troskosky; grandchildren Audrey and Chloe; sister Linda (Ross) Holmes; brother Tom (Barb) Irvine; brother-in-law William "Todd" Smeltzer and sister-in-law Jill (Alan Mulberg) Smeltzer; nieces and nephews; and loving family and friends. 

During their 39-year marriage, John and Rae traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe particularly enjoying trips to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. The two shared adventures and loved visiting local restaurants, beaches, and historical sites. 

John retired from Ultralife Corporation and worked many years for Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. He was a devout Christian and a board member of the Edgewood Church. John volunteered for Elderberry Express, giving rides to seniors, and as a youth mentor and tutor with Healthy Harvest Ministries. He was a talented musician, playing banjo and the mandolin in many bands throughout his life. 

John was well-known for his compassion, friendship, and infectious sense of humor. He loved to rile up children, especially his granddaughters, and cared for his loyal "show dog" Brewster and grand dog Penny. John filled every room he entered with warmth, love, and laughter. 

Please send donations to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in John's memory. 

John's celebration of life services will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Edgewood Church, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY 14534. As a tribute to John, musicians bring your instrument if you'd like to jam during the desserts and coffee following the services. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

George Atkinson RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('72) George Atkinson passed away June 22, 2023 while awaiting a liver transplant. While we had our differences politically throughout the years, we still managed to have civil conversations! He will be missed.

George W. Atkinson, Jr. (68) died Thursday, June 22, 2023 at VCU in anticipation of a liver transplant. He was born in Williamsport, PA to Marilyn Mitchell and George W. Atkinson, Sr., who preceded him in death. 

His early years were spent in Atlanta, Georgia and later he graduated from Clarence HS, near Buffalo, NY. He entered the Army in 1972 and served in the 214th Army Band, (FORSCOM'S Own) as a French horn instrumentalist until 1979. He then attended Georgia State University and ROTC (receiving the George C. Marshall award and winner of the military saber), then received a Regular Army commission as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. 

His military assignments included platoon leader in the 503rd Truck Company, Heidelberg Germany; Asst. S2/3 officer in the 28th Transportation Co, Mannheim, Germany; Cdr. 97th Transportation Co, Heavy Boat, Fort Eustis, VA; Cdr. 710th Transportation Provisional Boat Co, Mogadishu; Division Transportation officer for the 1st Infantry Division, Wurzburg, Germany; V Corps Transportation Officer, Heidelberg, Germany; and his final assignment as the Executive officer for two Deputy Commanders of HQ, TRADOC, Fort Monroe, VA. 

His active service was performed during war and peace with two tours in Germany, three tours in Virginia, two deployments to Saudi Arabia, a deployment to Somalia and two rotations to Kosovo in the Balkans. In l996/97 he authored FM 55-80, the Army Container Operations manual. 

In 2004, George retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and served as a Department of the Army civilian first as a Doctrine Writer in the Deployment Process Modernization Office, Fort Eustis, VA, then as Deputy Assistant Commandant, Director of Instruction for the US Army Transportation School. He retired as Supervisor Training Specialist at Fort Lee, VA in 2013. His military awards include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal, (3rd award). 

Upon retirement he enjoyed gardening, traveling, caring for dogs, and Hawaiian shirts. George met his wife, Mary Framstad, in 1974 when she was reassigned from the 14th Army Band (WAC) to the 214th Army Band (FORSCOM'S Own). After a brief courtship they were married in 1975. 

George is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; sisters, Pamela Irons (Frank), Paula Dotson (Zechariah), and Patricia McLean (Bill); and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service for George was held at the Williamsburg Mennonite Church, 7800 Croaker Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in George's name to www.K9sforwarriors.org. 

Internment at Arlington will occur at a future date. Online condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.