George A. Ferguson, Jr., 94, a life-long resident of Livingston, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29. George was a loving husband to Shirley A. Ferguson, who pre-deceased him in June 2020. Born in Summit, George grew up in Livingston, and was a member of both the Northfield Baptist Church of Livingston and the United Methodist Church of Livingston. He attended Grover Cleveland High School in West Caldwell, and was a star pitcher for the baseball teams. He was a member of a local jazz band and played both the clarinet and saxophone. After graduating in 1951, George enlisted in the Marines. Before leaving for boot camp, George met his future wife, Shirley, on a blind date. They were married in 1952. George was stationed in Korea and served from 1951 to 1953. Discharged in 1954, Shirley and George settled in Livingston in 1956 to raise their family.
A carpenter by trade, George worked on homes before joining Schering-Plough in the maintenance department. After retiring from Schering-Plough in 1990, he enjoyed volunteering, including being a Docent at Turtle Back Zoo, helping at the Community Food Bank, and driving Livingston residents to medical appointments under the Livingston Volunteer First Aid Squad program.
George enjoyed making many friends over the years as a member of the Presbyterian Church of Livingston, the Livingston Old Guard, the Livingston VFW, theAmerican Legion, and AARP.
He enjoyed family vacations at Ortley Beach, Cape Cod, Cape May, Hilton Head, Florida, road trips, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, and gardening.
George was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his two daughters: Diane Lynn Ferguson Traver (Richard) of Columbus, and Bonnie Ferguson Dostalik, Livingston; three grandchildren: Valerie (John) Roman, Steven (Polina) Dostalik, Ian Traver; four great-grandchildren, William and Lillian Dostalik, and Ryan andVivian Roman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the compassionate professionals who took loving care of George. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Livingston Volunteer First Aid Squad, or the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department.
