Livonia: George T. Schuster Jr., of Richmond Mills Road, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at age 88. He was born on March 16, 1931 in Dansville, NY to the late George T. Sr. & Marie (Kervin) Schuster. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Joan M. Schuster, sister Kathryn Walrath and brother Vince Schuster. Survived by children; William (Mary) Schuster of Livonia, Robert (Midge) Schuster of Americus, GA, Kathleen (Jeff) Dodsworth, Daniel (Laurie) Schuster, Kevin (Karen L.) Schuster, Karen A. (Christine) Schuster and Mary Ann (Gary) Benedict all of Livonia. Grandchildren; Michael Schuster, Brittany Snyder (Dylan Tucker), Brandon Snyder, Matthew (Caroline) Schuster, Sara Schuster (Jack Yancey), Kaitlin Grouse (Matt Bullen), Kevin Grouse, Jenna Dodsworth (Devan Sutton), Daniel (Jennifer) Schuster, Robert Schuster, Scott Schuster, Nicole Benedict and Thomas Benedict; great-grandchildren, George Bullen and Finnola Schuster; sisters, Rose Joyce, Rita Schuster, Barbara (Richard) Nowakowski and Alice-Ann Schuster; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
A 1949 graduate of Livonia Central School with an Agricultural Science degree from Alfred State in 1951, George fulfilled his passions for farming. He was a third-generation dairy farmer taking over Schuster Farms in 1968 and operating the homestead for over 40 years. Married to Joan for 53 years, they had 7 children in 8 years and he still found time to give back to his community. He was a committee member of the Farmers Home Administration, a charter member of the Livonia Ambulance and a member of the Livonia Fire Department for over 65 years. In 2013 he was chosen as Livingston County Citizen of the year. He served on the Town Board for 32 years and was a proud member of the Historical Society. George served as ambassador of the Annual Rotary Farmer’s Dinner where he received the honorary Rotary award in 2019. He was inducted into the Livonia Athletic Hall of Fame and was a member of the Livonia Sports Fan Club. Athletics were his greatest pass-time whether it be a Livonia high school event, an Alfred football game, watching Syracuse or an NFL game on the television. He lived life to its fullest both at work and play, always with a smile on his face and a “have a happy” comment to cheer your day.
Family and friends may call Tuesday, March 26th, from 3-8pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia, NY. A Funeral Mass to Celebrate George’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 27th, 10:30am at St. Matthew’s Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Burial to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Livonia Fire Department, PO Box 151, Livonia, NY 14487 or Livonia Historical Society, PO Box 155, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence and for further information please visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Condolences to all of the Schuster family. Spent a lot of time at the Farm growing up, living in Livonia Center and George always had a kind word and easy disposition about him that always made you feel welcome at the home. Of course, If you could bail hay and milk cows, you earned a soft spot in his heart. Always loved seeing him at the HS sporting events. Seeing him always gave me a great sense of community. A Great man who will be missed by many in the community. Prayers and thoughts being sent your way.
Mark & Pam Smith
The legacy your dad leaves speaks for itself – looking at all these memories everyone is posted – mine being similar. George and Vince were on the regular drop in policy at the Gaczynski’s household! My husband Mike always looked forward to the wave from George as it seemed he was always right there as we drove down by the farm. Not to mention all the times we met up with the boys for hunting such a wonderful piece of property – followed by the lively conversation with George! He stole a piece of everyone’s heart and with be missed.
Helen & Mike Burrous
I’m so sorry to miss this calling hours and funeral because I am in Florida and I loved George and Joan and kids. If we were going away my kids first choice of a place to stay was with the George and Joan Schuster family. They always had a ball up there. We will miss George in our community.
Schuster family, sad to hear of your loss. Both of your parents were great to us growing up. Your Dad, Buzzard Lips ( not sure where he got that name ), was always fun to talk to. I learned more from the questions that he asked than what he told to me. Very smart and unique man, he will be missed.