Obituary of George D. Atwood

George D. Atwood, 86 of Woodstock Valley, died Tuesday at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hartford, July 18, 1919 he was son of the late Ralph Atwood and Emma Vincent. He was the husband of the late Yolande (Tardif) Atwood, she died in 1991. George made his home in Woodstock since 1946, a communicant of ST Philips Church in Warrenville. George was an auto mechanic. He was employed for over 55 years for the town of Woodstock, working as a School bus driver for 40 years as a custodian for 15 years. He retired in 2000. George was a veteran of World War II serving with the 169th Infantry in the 43rd Division, US Army; he was wounded in the Philippine Invasion receiving a Purple Heart, he was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 bronze service stars; World War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award; Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII and the Driver & Mechanic Badge and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant, September 18, 1945. He was a Life Member of the Bungay Fire Brigade and of the Putnam VFW #1523. He was an avid reader, enjoyed working on cars, woodworking, and carpentry. He is survived by his children: Ronald G. Atwood and his wife Janet of Tolland, Bruce Atwood and his wife Teri of Eastford, Sandra Dupre and her husband Gerry of Putnam, Geraldine Blanchette and her husband Maurice of Woodstock, and Dale Froehlich and her husband Steven of Woodstock; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The Funeral will be Saturday at 10:00 AM from the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in ST Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam. Burial with military honors in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock. Calling hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 pm at Smith & Walker Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bungay Fire Brigade, 1256 Route 171, West Woodstock, CT 06281 or Hospice Of Northeastern Connecticut, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with the family, Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com.