Obituary of George G. Van Cleaf II

Freedom – George Grant "Chicken George" Van Cleaf "Loving Father & Grandfather" George Grant Van Cleaf of 239 Bray Rd, formerly 3914 Slocum Hollow Rd; passed away in his home due to an illness. Born August 25, 1945 in New York City, he was the son of the late George and Anna Van Cleaf. George was a graduate from Baldwinsville High School. He attended St. Bonaventure and Syracuse University where he ran track. He worked as a field agent for Columbia Gas/NYSEG for 20+ years in Olean, New York. George also did asbestos and hazardous material removal in Buffalo, New York. George enjoyed family, friends, football and euchre, pow wows, tractor pulls, hunting & fishing. He was a collector of Sportsman magazines, knives and firearms and a lover of Bluegrass Zydeco music. George will be best remembered as a chicken enthusiast and lover of the outdoors. George is survived by his wife, Marilyn Van Cleaf, a brother Henry Van Cleaf, 8 children Lora Gilbert mother of Dudley Gilbert Sr., Jato Shorter mother of Charles Aldridge, Lorienda Van Cleaf, BettyAnne Williams, Inez McPeak mother of George "Bucky" Van Cleaf, Joanne Richie mother of Jon Van Cleaf, Stephanie Van Cleaf, and Savannah Van Cleaf, 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. George was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Stephanie Van Cleaf Prince, Michael Van Cleaf and a son, Joseph Richie III. Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at which time a Memorial Service will be held. The Rev. Tyrone Hall will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com