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The family of George Collette uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 25, 2018
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The family of George Collette uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 25, 2018
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Kip posted a condolence
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The last time I saw George was at Thanksgiving dinner, 2010, at my brothers house. While there I got him to go into more detail on a story he had told me once in the past. What I have remembered of the story was some thing like "He had flown a bomber during WW II and had crash landed on a desert island in the South Pacific on returning from his first mission."
The fuller version of the story is that he was a pilot of a B25 stationed in the Philippines. He was a Corporal but was made an "acting" Staff Sergeant while he was a pilot. (This confused me, as now-a-days you need to be an officer to be able to fly.)
The mission was a bombing run into Japan. They had successfully dropped the bombs on the target. On the way back they were attacked by a Japanese fighter aircraft. Their aircraft was damaged and although flyable, they were losing altitude. Once he knew they were not going to be able to make it all the way back, George told the crew they could jump or stay. That it was their decision. They had almost made it all the way back when they had to crash land on an island off of the Philippine coast. George said he tried landing in lagoon, but ended up on land, taking down a bunch of coconut trees in the process.
He doesn't remember how he was rescued, and he was never able to find out what happened to any of the crew.
The doctors thought that he wasn't going to be able to walk again. It took him 3 months before he was able. He wanted to stay in the Army but they wouldn't let him. He got discharged as a Corporal, not Staff Sergeant the rank he was at to be able to perform his job.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_army_ranks#Personnel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_B-25_Mitchell
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Clyde and Georgette posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2011
George was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. We will all miss that twinkle in his eye and the ready smile on his lips. Our deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends. We should not cry because he is gone, but smile because he was here. God Bless him. Clyde & Georgette Conrad
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shelley h gartenberg posted a condolence
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Dearest George, My beloved friend,to whom I owe so much; Your love,kindness and generousity are your gifts to all who crossed your path. Forever in my heart shall you remain and be remembered with fondness and love. Love, Shelley Gartenberg
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Minnie Creme posted a condolence
Thursday, January 27, 2011
We appreciate everything George did for the Andover Seniors. He will be missed. With deepest sympathy, Minnie Creme and family.
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David Duval posted a condolence
Thursday, January 27, 2011
George will greatly be missed. He was a great person and had a great heart in life. Much respect to you and your family.
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Carol Pudvah posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Diane and Louise and Barbara -We are so sorry for your loss, and will miss seeing Uncle George. Carol & Bernie Pudvah
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IKE & MARGE SURDAM posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
WE BOTH WANT TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY OF GEORGE COLLETTE AND HIS COMPAINION BARBARA FORAN WE HAVE KNOWN THEM BOTH THROUGH THE SENIORS OF ANDOVER, OUTGOING AND GENEROUS TO ALL. GEORGE WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM. HE WAS A DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL WITH MANY ATTRIBUTES TO HIS COUNTRY, AND HIS COMMINITY. "HEAVEN" IS GETTING A WONDERFUL PERSON.
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Mary Duval posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and my two sons David and Michael Duval. I have had the honor to know George since they were young, and he watched them grow up. We will all miss George; but we cannot be selfish, because the Lord has called him Home. Yes, we grieve, but we do not grieve in vain like pagans. Let us cherish God's gift of George to all of us. I pray that, by grace through faith, we will be reunited with Goerge in Heaven. Mary Duval
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(860) 643-1222
John F Tierney Funeral Home
219 West Center Street
Manchester, CT 06040
Email: tierneyfuneralhome@hotmail.com