George F. Cressey II passed away peacefully on May 20, 2021, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. George was born on Jan. 21, 1952 in Portland, the son of Janis Cook Cressey and W. Churchill Cressey. In 1976, he married the love of his life, Susan Fagan Cressey.
George grew up in Kennebunk and was active in the community as a businessman and volunteer. He was the co-founder of W.C. Cressey & Son, Inc. He and his father served as distributors for Thomas Built Buses in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont until George proudly turned the business over to his son Brian.
George was presented with a Meritorious Service Award in 2019 recognizing 53 years of dedicated service to Kennebunk Fire Rescue. He became a regular member of the department in 1967 with the Washington Hose Company and, in 1970, transferred to Central Station. He was also an active member of Kennebunk Rescue, holding the rank of EMS Lieutenant for 10 years.
For many years George, along with several others, was tasked with the general maintenance for the apparatus at Central Station. In the last few years, his passion was focused on the restoration and maintenance of a retired piece of apparatus: Engine 102. George was a member of Arundel Lodge No. 76 AF&AM in Kennebunkport, the Kennebunk Fire Society and was currently President of the Kennebunk Fire Department Combination A. A member of the Kennebunk Fish & Game Club, he served as its president for six years.
George grew up in Kennebunk where he was known by the nickname “Skeeter.” He was a graduate of Hebron Academy and Nichols College, but happily returned to his hometown to live, work and raise a family. In his final days, he said that he had lived his life as he wanted with the people that he loved.
Of all his accomplishments, George was most proud of his family. He leaves his son Brian and his wife Christine who, in his words, took the family business to heights he never imagined. Their children, Hannah and Nolan brought great joy to George’s retirement. He loved to tell people about his son Eric and daughter-in-law Anna and their business, Cressey Performance. Their three daughters, Lydia, Addison and Teagan, took grandparenting to the next level. And, for anyone who knew George, his love of animals was evident; his dog Mya was a constant companion and source of comfort throughout his illness.
George was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Kimberlee Cressey. In addition to his loving wife Susan, sons Brian (Christine) Cressey, and Eric (Anna) Cressey and five grandchildren, he is survived by a sister, Melissa Cressey Jackson; a stepbrother, Robert Akers; his mother-in-law, Ellen Fagan; sister-in-law, Cindy Fagan; and a special aunt, Jean Perkins, as well as several nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel at 67 Summer St. in Kennebunk. Attendees are politely asked to wear a mask at the service if they have yet to be vaccinated. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to: Kennebunk Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 326, West Kennebunk, ME 04094.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit George’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.
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