George  Irving
In Memory of
George  Ross
Irving
1936 - 2018
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Obituary for George Ross Irving


George Ross Irving was born on August 2, 1936 in Phenix City Alabama to the late John Wesley and Laura Quinn Ross. He transitioned into eternal rest on September 18, 2018 in his home in NYC. George was preceded in death by his siblings Norman, Juanita, Vivian, Wilma, Mercer Lee, Charles, Ernest, Johnnie Mae and Betty.

George attended Catholic grade school. He graduated from Mother Mary Mission in 1955 receiving his High School Diploma. He attended Alabama State University where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Education. While attending Alabama State he pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc.

After graduation he moved to NYC. His first teaching position was with the Westchester County school system. He left teaching to take a position with Audit and Surveys, a marketing and research firm in NYC. John Johnson, the founder of Johnson Publishing Company personally pursued George to join his marketing team and George accepted a position as their National Marketing Director; a position he held for several years. Because of his love of education, he returned to teaching, joining the NYC Board of Education ( now Department of Education). Working as a Social Studies teacher at Norman Thomas High School, George was well liked and respected by staff and students. Students knew Mr. Irving was a no-nonsense teacher with a quick wit. He always had a great comeback to student’s comments which left them laughing and many times speechless. George later received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, formally known as Audrey Cohen College. George retired from Norman Thomas High School with over 10 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, he returned to work at Norman Thomas High School assisting in the Office of the Assistant Principal.

There were many sides or facets to George. George was also an entrepreneur. His interest in Opera stars, rare books and history prompted him to start an Autograph Business- George R. Irving Autographs. He traveled to memorabilia and books shows in the tristate area to sell his collection. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Fraternal Benefits Society.

George’s family knew him as one who truly loved his family. He was always ready to debate politics and defend his favorite football team - The New England Patriots. Respected and loved George could tell a story with a straight face and have you laughing; he was quite comical. His knowledge of history was quite extensive. One could reach out to him for a friendly phone call and somehow he would be able to interject a history lesson into the call. Expressing his love of poetry, George would often recite excerpts from James Baldwin, Langston Hughes or Robert Frost.

George leaves behind to cherish his memory the last of the Ross siblings; Joseph (Sabrina) Ross of Atlanta, Georgia as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends. George is loved and will be truly be missed.



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