February 7, 1928 ~ April 16, 2024 (age 96)
Born in Troy, New York, February 5, 1928. He left high school during his senior year to join the Navy toward the end of World War II. He was a veteran of Naval Aviation during World War II and the Korean Conflict.
George began a lifelong love of flying by building his own airplane in ninth-grade metal shop class. He received a private pilot certificate when he turned 16 and held a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and instructor ratings when he retired.
Following college graduation, he coached high school basketball and American Legion baseball in Nebraska until he returned to graduate school to pursue his doctorate in psychology.
A proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska, he began his professional career as Associate Director of the schools Psychological Clinic. He continued his career as Chairman of Psychology at Brockport State University. He retired as a Professor of Psychology Emeritus with the Brockport State University of New York.
He was a year-round resident of Windstar on Naples Bay since 1989 when he was an active participant in the club’s golf program. He also was a member of the Senior Golfers of America, The Southwest Florida Senior Golf Association, The Florida Golf Association, and the Tournament Player’s Association.
He is survived by his wife, Anita Goodman Pinckney, his daughter, Sandra Nagle, and her children, Christine Felty (James) and Andrea Sturek (Michael). Daughter Cindy and John Sisto, and their children Anne Sisto and Tom (Sara). His son, Dr. Richard, and Jeanette Pinckney, and their children, Andersen Pinckney and Moriah (Brandon) Trundy, stepchildren Gary Snyder, Howie and Xia Snyder and their children, Elijah and Noah Snyder, Heidi Snyder Bailey, and Peter Bailey. Twelve great-grandchildren also survive him.
He will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread at sea in a private family ceremony.
