George Edward VanDerwege

Ischua- George Edward VanDerwege “Local Skydiver”

 George E. VanDerwege of 4962 Five Mile Road, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

 George was born October 21, 1952 in Clifton Springs and was the son of William E. and Ruth Ann Bates VanDerwege.

 George worked for the Ontario Knife Factory for a few years. He later became a logger and cut and sold firewood until he became ill.

 George loved hunting and fishing but most of all he loved to skydive at Southern Tier Skydiving Center at Lyndon Center and Wyoming County Parachute Center in Arcade. His first jump was at the age of 16 becoming the 4th skydiver in his family. George received his gold wings for 1000 jumps. 

 George is survived by; his mother, Ruth Lawrence of Franklinville; 3 sons, George E. VanDerwege of Ischua, Gregory D. (Mae) VanDerwege of Salamanca, Gary W. Vanderwege of Ischua; 3 grandchildren, Dakota, Maryanna, and William; 2 great grandchildren, Braydon and Connor; 5 sisters, Ellen (Paul) Stoll of Ischua, Norma VanDerwege, Lucy (Dusty) Ramsey both of Franklinville, Wendy Ramage of Olean and Sandy (Rick) Nawrocki of Huntly, VA; and many nieces and nephews. 

 George was predeceased by; his father, William VanDerwege in 2001; his step father, Bernie Lawrence; a sister, Judy Swift in 2005 and a brother, Floyd VanDerwege in 2022.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com