George Passage Obituary

WEST CARTHAGE -- George A Passage Jr., 66, 26 High St., passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Lundy Funeral Home, located at 500 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. A funeral service will be held following the service at 4:00 pm in the Lundy Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplin Samuel P. Lundy, Jefferson County & EMO Officer officiating. A burial will be held privately by the family; George will be laid to rest in Sunnyside Cemetery, Naumburg.

George was born on April 13, 1958, in West Carthage to the late George and Lila (Christman) Passage. He graduated from Carthage Central School. On July 1, 1978, George married the love of his life, Lauralee Gladle in Carthage. George worked at a variety of businesses in the North Country including the James River Paper Company for 20 years, until their closing in 1998, he then worked for the Champion International Paper Company, Deferiet, and as a mechanic on Fort Drum. He retired from Wratten’s RV Sales in 2023.

In addition to his day-to-day jobs, George had a passion for serving his community. He was a devoted member of the West Carthage Volunteer Fire Department, serving in many positions over the last 40 years, including as Fire Chief, and 1st and 2nd Assistant Fire Chief. He was a member of the West Carthage Planning Board, and a member of the West Carthage Benevolent Association. He enjoyed going hunting, camping, and woodworking. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lauralee; his son, George (Stacy) Passage III, of Salisbury, NC, and Tabatha (Chris) Habermann, of Carthage; his siblings, Lila (Bob) Roggie, of Carthage, Judy Passage, of Carthage, Jean (Larry) Shannon, of Carthage, Paul (Connie) Passage, of Belleville, and Robert (Linda) Passage, of Carthage; three grandchildren, Abygail Largett, Jaxon Passage, and Lorna Habermann.

He is predeceased by his parents, George and Lila Passage.

Donations in George’s memory may be made to the West Carthage Volunteer Fire Department, at 61 High Street, W. Carthage, NY 13619, or to Hospice of Jefferson County, at 1398 Gotham St, Watertown, NY 13601.

Arrangements are with the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. located at 500 State Street Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences in his memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com.