George R. Askew

George R. Askew, of Hampton, CT, died Thursday, February 8, 2018.  He was born May 28, 1934.  George Roger Askew grew up in White Plains and Briarcliff Manor, NY. He played football as a high schooler, and was an Eagle Scout. George graduated from Cornell University as an ROTC officer with a B.S. in Animal Nutrition Sciences. He began his career working for Big Dutchman, Inc.  In 1955, he settled in Northeastern Connecticut with his young family. He found his true calling when he started teaching science and math at the Eastford Elementary Middle School in 1965. George earned a Master’s degree in Teaching from Eastern Connecticut State University.  Over the course of George’s 37 years teaching the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, he had a monumental and lasting effect on many of his students and the surrounding communities.  His math and science lessons were hands-on, building motors, rockets, to-scale models of the solar system across the ballfield, and countless other projects. He taught his students respect, self-worth and humanity. He was a great leader by example, compassionate and encouraged every student to put forth their best.  His efforts extended well beyond the classroom. His love for nature brought many out in the cold for astronomy nights, and students from a number of classes helped build a nature trail along the Still River, which was recently dedicated to him by the Eastford Elementary School. Annual events that George helped start include a senior citizen Thanksgiving dinner put on by students and staff, and grinder sales to support the eighth-grade class trip to New York City or Washington D.C.  George was a leader in the education community. He worked with the Commissioner of Education to development Connecticut’s Family Life curriculum. He was president of the Connecticut Science Teachers Association, and he traveled to Moscow as part of the first Russia-USA science teacher convention.  George embraced civic duty, from donating blood to serving as Chairman and member of the Parish Hill High School Board of Education for many years. He served as Hampton’s Planning and Zoning Board chairperson, instructed first-aid, and was significant in the establishment and success of the Windham chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Willimantic for many years, teaching Sunday School, putting on pancake breakfasts, and serving as a deacon. He was director for more than 20 years of Camp Wabbaquassett, the church’s summer day camp on Crystal pond in Eastford and Woodstock, CT.  George’s life was filled with passion and the pursuit of happiness. He loved dogs and fishing. He sang in his college glee club and later in theater groups in Hampton and Eastford, CT. Upon moving to Hampton, with the help of family and friends, he built the house where he and his family lived for 35 years. He loved hosting visitors and parties at home.  Throughout his time on earth, George exhibited an unyielding positive outlook and appreciation of life, touching all that knew him. During his final years he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease. Still, he never lost his wit or sense of humor. The family thanks his home assistant Pierette McCartney, long-time friend Dave Treiber, and all of those who cared for him at the Douglas Manor nursing home.  George is survived by his loving wife Susan Askew, first wife Suzanne S. Askew, children G. Roger Askew, Jr., David J. Askew, step-children Kimberly Abell and Jason L. Slate, 8 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, sister Audrey Askew and many nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers the family wishes that donations be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT 06226, or the Hampton Chaplin Ambulance Service, 190 West Old Route 6, Hampton, CT 06247, donate some blood and most importantly take a friend out for coffee.  George’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com. 

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