Obituary: George C. Drescher, Former County Fire Coordinator

From Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home

George C. Drescher was a lifelong Rockland County resident. He was well known for his dedication to the men and women who served the county in the Fire and Emergency Services. George held many titles and positions over his lifetime. George was employed for over 30 years by the Town of Clarkstown and retired as the Deputy Superintendent of Highways prior to being the Director of Fire and Industrial Training at the Rockland County Fire Training Center. Working for the Town of Clarkstown he was also a part time patrol officer for the Villages of Haverstraw and South Nyack. He selflessly gave his free time and effort to teach and serve those who were in need.

George started his lifetime of service in the Congers Fire Department. He then continued his service with the Haverstraw Fire Department as a member of the General Warren Emergency Rescue company. His service continued when he joined the West Nyack Fire Engine Company #1 for the remainder of his volunteer fire service tenure. George held every frontline firefighting position in West Nyack and served as Chief two separate terms. Not only did George serve as a firefighter, he was a member of the Rockland County Haz-Mat Team, Rockland County Technical Rescue Team, Rockland County Firefighters Association, Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association, Rockland County Fire Police Association, and the Rockland County Fallen Firefighters Fund. His dedication to Rockland County did not end there, and he continued his service as a Rockland County Fire Coordinator where he was instrumental in training and guiding new firefighters and fire officers. His knowledge and experience made him an influential and essential part of Rockland County’s Fire and Emergency Services.

George was born on July 7 1949, in Nyack Hospital to Christoph and Carmelitta Drescher. He was one of five children and grew up in Congers, NY. George served in the United States Army receiving multiple medals for his exceptional service in the Vietnam Conflict. George married Margaret D’Apice on October 21, 1972 and further expanded his loving family with his two sons Christopher and Anthony who continue his dedication to public service. In addition to his parents George was predeceased by his sisters Hope Bednar and Nola Crawford. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, brother John Drescher, sister Linda Beckel, sons Christopher and Anthony, daughter in law Lindsay, and his #1 Granddaughter Riley as well as many loving brothers and sisters in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. George had a love for sports especially baseball and the New York Yankees.

Visiting Hours will be held at the West Nyack Fire House, 42 Strawtown Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994 on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 9 pm.

Firematic Services will be held on Wednesday at 7 pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday Jan. 30, 2020 at 11:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 128 Parrott Rd. West Nyack, NY. 10994.

Interment will be held in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations May be made in George's name to Joe Raso Hospice Residence 415 Buena Vista Rd. New City, NY 10956 or the West Nyack Fire Department.