George Synnott, 95, of Keene, New Hampshire, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut and Greenacres, Florida, died peacefully on July 19 at his home at Bentley Commons following a decline from the effects of consecutive falls.
He was born the son of the late Dennis Synnott and Elizabeth (Kenny) Synnott on December 27, 1921 in Waterbury, Connecticut. George attended schools in Waterbury and graduated from Leavenworth High School, class of 1941. George came of age during the Great Depression and from that experience and that of his family, he learned to be self sufficient, to keep his finances in order, and to take care of himself while being considerate of others.
During World War II, George served in the US Navy, first aboard a Landing Craft Infantry and later a Submarine Chaser. After the Navy, George joined the City of Waterbury’s Fire Department where he worked as a firefighter at Stations 2, 8, and 5. He also trained to become a master plumber, eventually operating his own highly successful business, Synnott Plumbing and Heating, for many years.
On September 25, 1948, he exchanged vows with the love of his life, Miss Patricia Kennedy, to whom he was married for sixty-four years.
George was an outgoing and friendly guy who was blessed with terrific wit and a great sense of humor; he was particularly fond of story and joke telling and he enjoyed travelling and cruising with friends and family, here in the States, as well as abroad, especially in Australia. He also enjoyed spending time with his family playing cards, especially setback and cribbage, and cooking for large family get-togethers; George’s famous New England clam chowder and Sloppy Joe’s were two of his highly sought-after specialties. He was also inventive and handy around the house, the sort of guy who liked fixing and tinkering with things and finding ways to improve or modify devices. In fact, his “Wheel of Spice” invention, a clock-like arrangement of spice and herb jars, still hangs in many a Florida and Connecticut kitchen, although his dual-toaster for both hotdogs and rolls, sadly shorted out several years ago.
Mr. Synnott is survived by his son, Thomas Synnott of West Dover, VT; his daughter and son-in-law, Eileen Synnott and Paul Gurn of Keene, NH; three grandchildren: Richard, Melissa, and Stephanee; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Kennedy) Synnott, and by his siblings Joseph (Joe) Synnott, Elizabeth (Betty) (Synnott) Cronan, Francis (Curly) Synnott, Mildred (Synnott) Wiggins, Margaret (Peg) (Synnott) Fitzpatrick, and John Synnott.
In keeping with George’s and his family’s wishes, services will be private. Donations may be made to Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
