George E. Wyeth

George E. Wyeth learned to love East Hampton while serving with the Air Force at Camp Hero in Montauk, and when he was discharged several years later he returned to the South Fork.

Not long after he met Barbara Wilford, who is from one of the first families who settled the South Fork. They married in 1964. Mr. Wyeth, a year-round resident of East Hampton ever since, died on Saturday at Southampton Hospital after a brief illness. He was 83. 

The youngest of 11 children of Harold Koster Wyeth and the former Laura Mabel White, George Edwin Wyeth was born in Melrose, Mass., where he attended the Melrose public schools. In 1950, when he was only 17, Mr. Wyeth left Massachusetts to enlist with the Air Force, serving first in Alaska and then as a private first class at Camp Hero in Montauk, where he was stationed from 1951 to 1953. He then enlisted with the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the United States National Guard, serving in Germany as a mechanic. He was discharged in 1960.

He worked for many years as a mechanic and sales clerk at the former East End Hardware store in East Hampton Village, before the store closed. 

After retiring from active service, Mr. Wyeth was a continuous member, volunteer, and employee at the Everit Albert Herter Post 550 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Montauk Highway, serving up coffee and breakfast to his fellow vets for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 419 in Amagansett.

According to his son-in-law, Ed White, Mr. Wyeth enjoyed bowling and had won several trophies. He also liked watching baseball on television. 

He is survived by his wife, a half sister, Marie Whelpley of Lake Suzu, Fla., his son, James E. Wyeth of East Hampton, his daughter, Debra M. White of Allentown, Pa., a grandson, a granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. Six brothers and three sisters died before him.

Visiting hours at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton will be on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service there, officiated by Kenneth W. Yardley, who will be assisted in a brief military portion of the service by the chaplain of the Everit Albert Herter Post 550 of the V.F.W. Afterward friends and family will gather for a reception at the post in East Hampton. 

There will be a private burial at a later date at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.

Donations have been suggested to the Everit Albert Herter Post of the V.F.W., 550 Montauk Highway, East Hampton 11937.