George Stuart Hackett

George Stuart Hackett, age 56, passed away suddenly in his home at Dover on February 14, 2013. George was born January 22, 1957, at Dover, to the late George Stuart and Virginia Weinsz Hackett III. He was a 1975 graduate of Garaway High School. George attended The University of Akron and Walsh University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management in 1989 from Walsh.

George worked as an archivist and historian, and was a gifted researcher. He combined his love of the outdoors and of Ohio history in his dedication to the Canal Society of Ohio. His interest in community involvement and respect for his German heritage led him to become a tour guide and costumed interpreter with the Zoar Community Association and Ohio Historical Society at Zoar Village.

George was defined by his love and devotion to the Navy veterans of WWII, and the memory of his father's Navy service. He personally recorded, by written word and film, the first-hand accounts of WWII LCT veterans. George was devoted to establishing a database on the LCT's of WWII, diligently collecting records from the Navy Archives alongside his valued comrades, the sons of our Navy veterans. He was the official Archivist for the organization "LCT Flotillas of World War II Reunion Group."

George is survived by his sister, Janie, and her husband Don Buttermilk, of Mena, Arkansas; his niece, Katie, and her husband, Amos Elseth, of Warren, Minnesota; his nephew, Stuart Simmons, and his wife Marisa, and their daughters Janessa and Eve, all of Treadway, Tennessee; dear friend and cousin, David Weinsz, of Dublin, Ohio; and his aunt, Mary Gausewitz, and cousin, Carl Gausewitz, both of East Sparta. He is also survived by dear friends, and brothers and sisters in the Lord who tenderly hold the memory of their friend, whom they considered to be one of the best and kindest of men.

A memorial service for George will be held Saturday, March 2, at 1 p.m. in the Dover Bible Church, 4173 Minard Rd. N.W., Dover, with Pastor Ed Scaglione officiating. A meal and time for fellowship will follow the service. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of George, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.