Dr. George F. McVay's Obituary
George F. McVay, 89, of Syracuse and Skaneateles, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2012. He was a devoted and compassionate family physician in the Syracuse community for over 36 years, serving at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the former St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. McVay was the son of the late Mary and George F. McVay, Sr. He was the devoted husband of Laila C. McVay for over 62 years.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. McVay was raised in Richmond Hill, NY and graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS. His attendance at Queens College was interrupted when he joined the US Navy in 1943, and he was assigned to the V-12 Program at Hobart College. He attended Midshipman’s School at Columbia University, Diesel Engineering School at North Carolina State College, and was commissioned a Lt. J.G. and Chief Engineering Officer on the USS LST 492 from 1944–1946. He served in the Pacific starting at Pearl Harbor then on to Saipan; Ulithi, Guam, Luzon, Philippines and Okinawa.
Under the GI Bill, he attended New York Medical College, interned at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse and did his Internal Medicine residency at The Lahey Clinic in Boston, MA. He started his private practice in1953, and later became one of the founding members of the Family Practice Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
He loved to sail, was a tennis and golf enthusiast for over 50 years and competed in tournaments with his grandchildren! Reading, travel, and spending time with his family were his passions. He was predeceased by his siblings, Elizabeth Maurer, Robert McVay and William McVay. He cherished his wife, Laila C. McVay; his children, Suzanne Novelli (Dr. David), Dr. Laila D. McVay, Michele McVay-Crowley (William), Janine McVay (Robert Pettersen), George S. McVay (Nancy), 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He dearly loved many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 8:30 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME and 9:30 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Friday from 2-7 PM Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York.
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