George J. Schunck

George J. Schunck, age 88, of Jamesville, passed away on February 6 with his family by his side. George was born in Syracuse to the late Charles J. and A. Bernice Schunck, on February 22, 1930. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. George earned his Eagle Scout Award-BSA in 1946. George graduated from North High School in 1948. He was a proud graduate of Syracuse University Class of 1952. While at SU he was a member and officer of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He served his country in the Korean War as a member of the United States Army. He met and married his wife Barbara in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
George had a long and distinguished career as an insurance executive with the Young Insurance Agency, Inc., the company his grandfather founded in 1905. George's career began in 1952 and he rose through the ranks to where he became President in 1968. George was President for twenty-six years until 1994 when he became Chief Executive Officer. George was awarded the "Insurance Person of the Year" in 1993 by the Independent Insurance Agents of CNY. George, and partners, were instrumental in the transition from the Young Agency, Inc. to Brown & Brown Empire State. George retired in 2012 after sixty years of personal service to the people he served most, his clients. George's professional affiliations included: Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York, Associated Builders & Contractors, Marine Midland Bank (HSBC), Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce (past Chairman), Ithaca College Board of Trustees.
Community service was a cornerstone of George's life. He spent countless hours leading, fundraising and guiding the following organizations: Dewitt Little League, Troop 22 BSA (Scoutmaster), Hiawatha Council-BSA (Boypower Dinner Chairman-2002; Honoree-1989), Elmcrest Children's Center (Past Board President), Hospice of CNY, St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (received the St. Joseph's The Worker Award), Community General Hospital Foundation, SUNY-ESF Foundation, United Way, Loretto, Francis House, Big Moose Property Owner's Association (Past President), Webb Property Owner's Association, Syracuse Chiefs Baseball Club.
George was a past member of the Liederkranz Club, Drumlins Club, University Club, Cavalry Club and the Century Club (past president).
George was an avid fan of Syracuse University basketball and football, Ithaca College football and Jamesville-Dewitt athletics where he saw his children and grandchildren compete. George is a member of the North High School and Northside Community Halls of Fame.
George loved spending time with family and friends at Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks. He was a member of the Big Moose Community Chapel.
George was predeceased by his wife, Barbara G. Schunck in January 2018, after 62 years of marriage.
George is survived by his three children; James (Kristen), Lawrence (Karen), and Lorraine (John View) all of Jamesville. The pride and joy of his life were his four grandchildren, Allison and Brendon Schunck, and Kenneth (Molly) and Matthew Schunck. He is also survived by his younger brother Charles and his cousins. The Schunck family would like to thank all of the doctors and staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for their outstanding care. We would also like to thank the staff at Menorah Park for their care while George was in residence. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00p.m. on Friday February 15, 2019 at Burns-Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13224. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday February 16, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 4112 East Genesee Street, Dewitt, NY 13214. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Longhouse Council/BSA, 2803 Brewerton Road, Syracuse, NY 13211, Elmcrest Children's Center, 960 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13224 or Big Moose Community Chapel, P.O. Box 209, Eagle Bay, NY 13331.