George W. Liberty of Mattapoisett died unexpectedly Sunday August 24, 2008. He was the husband of his ORR high school sweetheart Bec A. Zora. George was the son-in-law of Joseph P. Zora and the late Glenna M. (Akins) of Marion. He was a brother-in-law to Joseph P. Zora Jr. and his wife Jane; Pat Harriman and her dear late husband Frankie; Rob Zora and his wife Eileen all of Marion. He was “George” to all their children. The help and financial gifts from these families made his dream of Georges Take Out and Deli a reality. His love for this family did not die.
He was born in New Bedford, MA the baby and only son to loving parents the late Louise M. and George W. Liberty Jr. After the passing of his mom he was blessed to become the treasured stepson of Doris Thorpe Liberty with whom he shared a special bond that never needed words. He and his sister Shirley comforted their stepmother with love until her passing on July 10, 2008. As the Thorpe family gathers in late September to celebrate Doris’s life they will embrace their memories of George.
George was a talented, well-known, hard working friend to many in the food industry. Harbor Beach Club, Freestones, Station One, and Box Car Willy’s were all part of the spirit he brought home to Mattapoisett when he opened George’s Take Out and Deli. He and his George’s family used a daily recipe of great tunes, constant jokes, lots of coffee, and hard work to create the daily specials. To all the grieving Yankee fans we say thank you for allowing George to reconfirm his love for the Boston Red Sox on a daily basis. The blinking lights on George’s Patriot’s hat will forever match the smile on his face at game time.
George is survived by all of you who knew him- you have a piece of him in your heart every minute of every day. His stepdaughter Helkiah Zora Tinkham, her husband Jesse J. Connor and their daughter Elende Finn and son Griffin Glenn of Leverett, MA filled his existence with love and laughter. His precious Carla Edwards and her husband George and their wonderful daughter Sarah were family both at home and at the Deli. Justine Edwards of East Falmouth, MA and Rory Edwards, currently serving in the U.S. Army were a special part of his home family and all of his holidays. George’s beloved Crystal Buckminster of Marion could manage all levels of our family, George, and the Deli without missing a beat. George loved his three sisters Gail Woodbury and her husband Peter; Shirley Clark and her husband John; Patty Kimball and her husband Eric. He was a wonderful stepbrother to Tracey Lackey; Pete Lackey and his wife Debbie and Keith Liberty and his wife Sue. He was Uncle George to Jason, Katy, Peter, Pamela, Kevin, Erin, and Megan.
Please remember-George was a casual kinda guy he would expect that relaxed attire would rule his day on Thursday September 4, 2008. Tributes will take place as follows; The American flag honoring George’s service to his country will be raised at Ned’s Point in the morning. George and Bec’s chairs will be on that beach all day for you. His family will share photographs and stories at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in Mattapoisett, Thursday, September 4th from 3 to 6pm. Prior to sunset we invite family and friends to gather at Ned’s Point for a simple service with the Reverend Doctor Kathy Gayoski. At sunset his flag will be lowered and donated to the Mattapoisett Fire Department.
To answer the endless requests for a way to offer a tribute in the name of George W. Liberty III we make these gentle suggestions; Grampa George was a major contributor to the medical and life expenses for his beautiful ten-year old granddaughter Elende who has childhood arthritis. In that loving spirit a fund has been established in his name to continue her lifetime care. Donations may be made to the George W. Liberty III Memorial Fund at the Mattapoisett Branch of Eastern Bank.
The decision to close George’s Take Out and Deli was the ultimate tribute made by his family and staff. “Without George there is no more Georges” The entire inventory was donated and delivered to the Market Ministries in New Bedford where everyday wonderful people do the work of George.