Cuba - George Max Wolfram Jr. 95, of 243 W Shore Road, Cuba,
passed away Monday February 6, 2017, unexpectedly at his home.
Born on November 11, 1921 in Olean, NY, he was the son of
George Max Wolfram Sr. and Hazel Marie Lane Wolfram. He graduated from Olean
High School in 1940. It was during his time in High School that he met Marjorie
Marie Battles. They became great dance partners and won many awards. George
found a job at the Olean Glass Factory. Soon he and Marjorie were engaged.
After the bombing at Pearl Harbor, George enlisted in the
Marine Corps on May 14, 1942. He was sworn in on August 11, 1942 and left for
Parris Island, SC. He completed boot camp and was sent to New River, NC on
October 5, 1942. The next month he went to Edgewood Arsenal in Baltimore, MD
and attended Chemical Warfare School. On August 18, 1943 he traveled through
the Panama Canal to San Diego, CA. The next month he arrived at Camp Pendleton
- 1st Tent Camp at Oceanside, CA. On October 14, 1943, he married Marjorie in
Oceanside, CA. A few months later Marjorie returned to Olean. On January 14,
1944 George left for his home base on Maui, HA. Over the next two years he took
part in the following battles: Roi-Namur Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands;
Saipan and Tinian in the Marianna Islands. On August 21, 1944 George was
promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He took part in the invasion of Iwo
Jima. This was all done as part of the Fighting 4th Marine Division. Then in June
14, 1945 he was transferred to Headquarters G-3 Section 5th Amphibious Corps.
He took part in the landing at Sasebo, Japan as part of the occupation forces.
He left Sasebo, Japan for San Diego; then on to Bainbridge, MD where he was
discharged.
After the war he returned to Olean to settle down with his
wife. He went back to work at the Olean Glass Factory but when the company was
going to move to Corning, George decided to find another job. Sears Roebuck was
hiring so he went to work for them. He enjoyed many years working in the
Furniture Department. But then he was transferred to Appliances. He never
enjoyed that as much.
From the time he was a young boy, George dreamed of living
on Cuba Lake. His dream came true in 1966 when he bought Cottage 243. The
family had such fun there that it was decided to sell the house in Olean, knock
down the old cottage and build a new home. The family moved in 1971. George was
very fortunate to be able to spend the rest of his life where he had always
wanted to be.
George was a member of the Olean Exchange Club, the Cottage
Owners Association, and the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) that meets on
Wednesdays for lunch at the Beef and Barrel in Olean.
Surviving are his two children Pamela Wolfram of Cuba, NY
and Michael (Jackie) Wolfram of Lancaster, NY; three grandchildren Jeffrey
(Kristin) Wolfram of Cheektowaga, NY; Mark (Emily) Wolfram of Powhatan, VA; and
Carolyn Wolfram of Lancaster, NY.
George was predeceased by his parents ; an older sister,
Hazel Marie Wolfram ,and a younger brother, Clifford Wolfram and his wife,
Marjorie, on February 20, 1991. After Marjorie's death, George enjoyed the
company of Dottie Riley whom he had known in high school. They went for many
trips including going back to Maui, HA. Dottie died on December 31, 2010.
There will be no visitation. A funeral will be held at The
Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba,
on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00. The Rev. John Asquith, pastor of Black
Creek Baptist Church, will officiate.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be given
towards the Cuba Area Living Veteran Memorial. Checks should be made out to the
Allegany County Area Foundation % Cuba Chamber of Commerce with Mural/Veteran's
Project and sent to Cuba, NY chamber of Commerce, 5 West Main St, Cuba, NY
14727 or to Joyful Rescues, 1319 Turock Dr, Cuba, NY 14727.
