TAMPA, FLORIDA: George Arthur Washburn, of Tampa, after a full and blessed life, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 98. Born in
Holyoke, MA, he was the oldest of six children of the late Levi Edson and Lena Louise Washburn. After graduating high school, George enlisted and proudly served in the Army Air Force. By the young age of 20, he was a B-24 Liberator pilot as part of the 8th Air Force, 44th Bomb Group, flying 35 missions over Europe in WWII. After his enlistment, he returned home, married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Virginia Gladwin, and attended and graduated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He worked at Northeast Utilities until he retired. George enjoyed flying, golfing, traveling and a good gin martini.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 51 years, Ruth (Gladwin) Washburn; his son, Robert Edson Washburn and a brother, Gerald Washburn.
He will be remembered and deeply missed by his daughter and her husband, Nancy & Jim Franklin; his daughter-in-law, Joanne Creighton; his grandchildren, Chad and Loretta, Robert and Cassie, Tyler and Amy, Elizabeth and Heather, Jason and JoAnne, George and Natalie and Joe and Carrie; his 11 great-grandchildren; his 2 great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Betty Bodenorf, Arlene Bodertha, Barbara Lee, and Gene Washburn and his loving companion of the last 20 years, Cynthia Harmonowski.
Per his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 7th at 11AM, at Gene Washburn’s residence, 2 Pitcher St., Montgomery, MA 01085
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to: Army Heritage Center Foundation, P.O. Box 839, Carlisle, PA, 17013
