Obituary of George P. Kiskiel

George P. Kiskiel Sr. George P. Kiskiel, Sr., 81, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Rome Memorial Hospital. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 23, 1929, son of the late John and Anne E. Fornagiel Kiskiel. At the age of 17, George joined the United States Marine Corps and saw overseas duty in North China and Guam. Upon his discharge, he came to Rome to seek his fortune at the air base. In 1952, he met and married the former Ruth White of Rome. George worked as a barber for Barone's Barber Shop and Burnett's Barber Shop, before opening his own business The Manhattan Barber Shop at 1700 N. James St. He was active in the Barber's Union as president and secretary/treasurer for many years. George was also active in the Rome Democratic party, serving as city committeeman and was on the Oneida County Democratic Executive Board in the 1960s. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Rome Post Master, when it was an elected position. In the late 60s, he opened Grafic Press as a self taught printer, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. George enjoyed politics, camping, fishing, hunting, wood working, and could master any skill he found interesting. He leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and James Acchino, Rome; a son and daughter-in-law, George and Deborah L. Kiskiel, Ava; and a son, John H. Kiskiel, Rome; grandchildren, Michelle Lubeck, Evan, Jenna, Lauren, John II, and Leeann Kiskiel; a great grandson, Jacob Giacona; and several nieces and nephews, especially Don Alvarez and Paul Miller; and his long time friends, Bob Lennon and Vince Migliori. He was predeceased by a long time companion, Marie Rizzuto. The family would like to thank the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital's Acute Care Unit and Extended Care Facility, with whom he stayed briefly, for their care and compassion. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., where friends are invited to attend. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.